Montana Western Announces Dr. Hilary Smith Risser as Interim Dean of Strategic Initiatives

The University of Montana Western has announced the hiring of Dr. Hilary Smith Risser as the university’s new Interim Dean of Strategic Initiatives. Dr. Smith Risser will officially begin her role on June 1, 2026.

Dr. Smith Risser currently serves as a tenured Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Montana Technological University, where she has been a faculty member since 2008. She earned her Ph.D. in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Southern Methodist University and previously taught at Plano West Senior High School and Texas Woman’s University before joining Montana Tech.

“Dr. Smith Risser brings an outstanding combination of academic leadership, innovation, collaboration, and student-centered vision to Montana Western,” said UMW Chancellor, Dr. Estee Aiken. “Her extensive experience in higher education, accreditation, faculty leadership, grant development, and student success initiatives will be a tremendous asset as Montana Western continues to advance strategic priorities that support our students, faculty, staff, and communities across Montana.”

Throughout her career at Montana Tech, Dr. Smith Risser has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences for 11 years, Director of the university’s Data Science program for two years, President of the Montana Tech Faculty Association for four years, and most recently as the institution’s Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO). She is also a former president of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics and was recognized with the Dean Preble Memorial Award for her contributions to mathematics education in Montana.

Dr. Smith Risser has received multiple honors for excellence in teaching and service, including three Rose and Anna Busch Awards, five merit awards, and designation as a Montana University System Teaching Scholar. She is currently principal investigator on two grants totaling approximately $2 million in funding, including a National Science Foundation S-STEM award and a subaward through Montana INBRE.

Her research focuses on the use of technology in mathematics education and professional development for educators. She has authored numerous articles and book chapters related to online learning, mentoring higher education faculty, and mathematics instruction, while also collaborating with researchers and educators around the world.

“I am thrilled to join Montana Western and contribute to the university’s innovative and student-focused mission,” said Dr. Smith Risser. “Montana Western’s commitment to experiential learning and academic excellence creates incredible opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. I am excited to collaborate with the campus community over the coming academic year.”