Montana Western Appoints Michael Piazzola As Dean Of Students

The University of Montana Western is pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Piazzola as Dean of Students.

“I’m pleased to share that Mike Piazzola has accepted the position of Dean of Students at the University of Montana Western. For over 20 years, Mike has invested in this campus and its people, and he brings a steady hand and deep experience to this new leadership role. I’m excited to welcome him aboard and confident he will help move UMW into its next chapter,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid.

Piazzola earned a B.A. in Secondary Education from the University of Montana Western in 2004, followed by a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana in 2016.

A proud alumnus and longtime campus leader, Piazzola brings more than 20 years of experience in student affairs, most recently serving as Senior Director of Student Life. In this role, he has provided leadership for Residence Life & Housing, Orientation, and the Bulldog Card Center, Bookstore, Student Wellness Center, Student Leadership Academy, and other key student programs. Known for his student-centered approach and deep commitment to experiential education, Piazzola is dedicated to strengthening student engagement, wellbeing, and success at Montana Western.

“Montana Western shaped who I am—first as a student and then as a professional—and it is truly the honor of my life to serve as Dean of Students at my alma mater. I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive, caring, and engaging campus where every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.”

Spending much of his free time enjoying all that Southwest Montana has to offer, Piazzola and his family stay active in the outdoors through camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and side-by-side rides through the Montana mountains with his father, exploring the beauty of the region they call home. He rarely misses a chance to take part in local community or campus events and has deep roots in Dillon. A devoted animal lover, he is also the proud owner of four dogs and serves as Vice Chair of the Beaverhead Animal Shelter Board, reflecting the same values of connection, service, and belonging that guide his work at Montana Western. Carrying on cherished Italian food traditions, he also enjoys cooking time-honored family recipes and sharing them with others as a way to bring people together.

He will start the duties of his new position at Montana Western on January 5, 2026.