May 3, 2021
Michael Reid has been selected as the new Chancellor for the University of Montana Western and brings with him over 30 years of experience in higher education administration.
Reid currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at the University of Montana Western and as the Chief Fiscal Officer for Helena College.
“The search advisory committee and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education are pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Reid for the Chancellor position at Montana Western,” said Search Advisory Committee Chair and OCHE Deputy Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Tyler Trevor. “We feel that Mike will continue to move the university forward and that his wealth of administrative and financial experience, combined with a focus on data-driven decision making, will further support the students, faculty and staff at UMW and continue to build upon the success of the university’s Experience One program.”
Reid started with the Montana University System in March 2013 and has been at the University of Montana Western since July 2018. 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, and Sierra Nevada College.
Although his background in higher education administration has often been centered on university operations and finances, Reid also has significant experience in facility master planning, capital construction, strategic planning, institutional forecasting and modeling, auxiliary operations and events management.
“I’m excited, and humbled, to be entrusted with this responsibility at the University of Montana Western. Over the past few years, both Montana Western and the welcoming town of Dillon have been incredible places to call home with inspiring students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community support. I am enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead of us and look forward to working with everyone in continuing the legacy that is UMW and building on the solid foundation that has already been established,” said Reid.
Reid and his wife, Shauna, are passionate about the outdoors and take frequent advantage of the incredible surroundings and activities available in the Dillon area.
Effective as of May 3, 2021, Reid’s appointment will be brought before the Montana Board of Regents for approval at its regularly scheduled meeting later in May. He succeeds Beth Weatherby, who is retiring after leading the university for the past 6.5 years.
