Montana Western Chancellor Michael Reid Announces Retirement

The University of Montana Western’s Chancellor, Michael Reid, has announced that he will retire at the end of this academic year after over 30 years in higher education.

“I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to our incredible students, faculty, and staff. The work we do here is meaningful, rooted in community, and centered on changing lives. What makes Montana Western special isn’t just our mission or our block schedule—it’s the people and their dedication to our students, to one another, and to the spirit of this place that has made every day here a privilege,” said Chancellor Reid. 

Reid first came to UMW in 2018 to serve as the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and would go on to become the institution’s Chancellor in spring of 2021. His educational background includes both an MBA and a BA in Finance from Utah State University. Over his 30 years of administrative experience, he has served for 20 of them as a Vice President/Chancellor for Administration and Finance at institutions including Pueblo Community College, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Angelo State University, the University of Montana, Sierra Nevada College and the University of Montana Western. 

During Reid’s tenure as Chancellor of UMW, the university offered new programs including a Bachelor of Science four-year degree in Farm and Ranch Management and the online option of its Elementary Education B.S. degree. Numerous facility renovations and new construction projects have been completed including Bulldog Stadium, the Student Wellness Center, and the renovation of the campus grounds along Atlantic Street. Renovations to Block Hall that will provide state-of-the-art research labs and equipment and the expansion of academic space are on track to be completed this spring. Several areas of campus have also been updated, including the Short Administration Building, the Dining Hall, Student Union Building, the Veterans and Military Exchange Center, Heating Plant, and the Business and Technology Building. Improvements to the Birch Creek Outdoor Education Center are also underway that will bring more groups and classes to this unique facility.  

“While so many exciting accomplishments have occurred during my time here both as Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and then Chancellor, I firmly believe that working with a dynamic team in all areas at the University collectively and openly are what lead to these goals becoming realities. It really comes down to the high caliber of people who are here to support our students and their hard work and determination that allows UMW to keep making improvements that will set us up for success in the years to come,” said Chancellor Reid. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know and form relationships with so many individuals from far and wide who support Montana Western and care greatly about its continued success.”

“In addition to being able to support various efforts during my time at Montana Western focused on collaboration, community partnerships, and sharing the uniqueness of Montana Western’s Experience One immersion learning model, I’m really proud to have been able to be part of the UMW community as a whole and help mentor and support the next group of leaders for the university’s future who will be champions for our upcoming students and their success,” said Chancellor Reid. 

“During Chancellor Reid’s tenure, the University of Montana Western experienced broad success across every aspect of campus life. Through his leadership, he has strengthened the university’s academic foundation and championed opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to excel. His guidance and vision for excellence will be missed,” said Commissioner of Higher Education, Clayton Christian.

The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education will hire a consulting firm and seat a Search Advisory Committee to assist with the search for the next Chancellor. Deputy Commissioner Tyler Trevor will serve as the search committee chair and begin the search process in early December.