Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Seth Bodnar Named New University Of Montana President

UM President Candidate Seth Bodnar at the UC Theater Sept. 22, 2017
Matt Blois
UM President Candidate Seth Bodnar at the UC Theater Sept. 22, 2017

Montana’s Commissioner of Higher Education late this afternoon announced that Seth Bodnar will be the new president of the University of Montana, starting January 1, 2018.

Bodnar is a Rhodes scholar who earned two masters degrees from Oxford University. He is currently a senior executive at General Electric. He is a West Point graduate who also taught economics there.

Bodnar was chosen over three other finalists to lead the university.

During a public forum last month, Bodnar said he was "in the people-development business.”

"My passion, my purpose, my energy in life has come from working with helping to develop teams, and helping people to reach their full potential," Bodnar said.

He inherits a university that has seen declining enrollment since 2010, and is dealing with budgeting and personnel challenges as a result.

Nicky is MTPR's Flathead-area reporter.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content