Six Month Gap Expected After Engstrom Steps Down, New President by July 1
With less than a month to go before UM President Royce Engstrom steps down, there is a lot that will need to happen before a new president takes control, an event expected to take place on July 1, 2017.
Engstrom leaves before the start of the New Year, so there is an expected seven month gap between presidents, during that time the office will be filled by Interim President Dr. Sheila M. Stearns.
The interim time could prove to be highly consequential for the University of Montana as it happens to fall right when the Montana Legislator is in session. The lack of a President and a unifying vision could make it difficult for UM to make its case during the session.
Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian, has released a five point plan to guide the University of Montana through the transition process, that plan has been reprinted in full below: