Posted on by Luca Battistotti

Announcing new MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni Board of Directors

Montana State University Billings Foundation & Alumni Board of Directors recently welcomed two new members who began their term July 1, 2023 and will serve a three year term. The newly named Board of Directors oversee the MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni, including managing the investment of a $34 million endowment that supports the long-term strength and stability of MSUB and its students. Tyler Elkin and Michael Monson are both graduates of Montana State University Billings.

Directors advocate for MSUB and advance the Foundation’s mission to support and grow MSUB through philanthropy, stewardship, and engagement. They champion higher education for a better tomorrow by seeking and securing private support to advance MSUB’s mission of delivering a transformative education that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to succeed.

The MSUB Foundation & Alumni Board of Directors is also proud to announce the release of a new strategic vision.  After months of planning and collaboration, a visionary roadmap was created to outline a bold vision for the future, aiming to help support and propel MSUB to new heights of success and excellence.  The strategic plan can be found here.

 “The board is proud to have Krista Montague leading the way towards tremendous growth of scholarship and programming funds to provide opportunities for students to obtain a degree and make a positive impact on their lives and the communities in which we serve. I want to welcome and thank our new and returning board members for dedicating their time and efforts to achieve our goal of student success.” – Chairman of the Board Tom Potter  

“I am excited to welcome the new board of directors and look forward to working with them as well as our returning members this upcoming year.  This last year has been full of growth, positive changes, and success – and the future is looking bright.  We are looking forward to continuing our work with Chancellor Hicswa and her team with our new strategic vision in place.  Our goal is to make a positive impact on as many students as possible through the support of many generous donors as we look towards the centennial celebration of MSUB in 2027.” – CEO Krista Montague

New Board of Directors elected include: 

  • Mike Monson, Treasurer
    Attorney, Billstein, Monson, & Small
    Class of 2003
  • Ty Elkin
    Senior Relationship Manager and Investment Advisor Representative, Allied Investment Advisors
    Class of 1995

Returning Board of Directors (including appointed officers) include: 

  • Tom Potter, Chair
    Commercial Banker, Rocky Mountain Bank 
  • Jani McCall, Vice Chair
    Consultant/Owner, Consulting With Communities, Inc.
    Class of 1975 
  • Kay Berry, Secretary
    Retired, SD2 Educator
    Class of 1983 
  • Brittany Cremer
    AVP, PR and Communications Manager, First Interstate Bank
    Class of 2006
  • William Henry
    Business Consultant, Be Better World, LLC
  • Merry Lee Olson
    CEO, Institute for Management Solutions
    Class of 1970
  • Don Roberts
    Retired, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon/Former State Legislator
  • Dave Wanzenried
    Consultant/Professor/Former State Legislator
  • Buddy Windy Boy
    Product Improvement Engineer, Mark Rite Lines Equipment Co.
    Class of 2006
  • Joanne Sheridan
    Retired, CPA/MSUB Professor of Accounting, Emeritus
    Class of 1976
  • Karen Moses
    Retired, SD2 Support and former SD2 School Board member
  • Anne Cole (Ex Officio)
    Instructor of General Education/Writing/Psychology, MSUB City College
  • AJ Otjen. Ph.D.  (Ex Officio)
    Professor of Marketing, MSUB
  • Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D. (Ex Officio)
    Chancellor, MSUB
  • Krista Montague (Ex Officio)
    CEO, MSUB Foundation & Alumni
    Class of 1999 and 2018

ABOUT THE MSU BILLINGS FOUNDATION

The Montana State University Billings Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization under Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)(3). Founded in 1968, Montana State University Billings Foundation advances the goals of Montana State University Billings through the solicitation, investment, and stewardship of financial support. The foundation promotes philanthropy, campus and community partnerships, and educational opportunities.

For more information on the foundation or to learn how to support student scholarships, go to msubfoundation.com or call 657-2244.

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