MSU BILLINGS FOUNDATION & ALUMNI NEWS — The Montana State University Billings Foundation & Alumni has announced the recipients of its 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards, recognizing alumni and friends of the university for their professional achievements, service, leadership and lasting impact on MSU Billings and their communities.
The honorees will be celebrated during the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m. in the Glacier Room on the MSU Billings University Campus. The event is sponsored by Stockman Bank.
This year’s honorees represent a wide range of professions and contributions, from healthcare and education to business, the arts and service to MSU Billings.
Recognition for Exceptional Achievement Award
Ryan Wetzel, class of 2014
Wetzel is CEO of All Nations Health Center in Missoula. Wetzel is a Montana native and Blackfeet leader whose career has been defined by public service, healthcare and community leadership. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit and public service, Wetzel has worked in prevention, mental health, substance-use services, community corrections, and healthcare administration.
A former MSU Billings basketball player, Wetzel also played professionally in Germany and was inducted into the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. He currently serves as board chair of the Montana Consortium of Urban Indian Health and holds additional leadership roles focused on healthcare and community wellness.
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Distinguished Alumni Award
Dan Miller, CPA, class of 1989
Miller is principal at Pinion and has built a distinguished career in accounting, nonprofit financial management and professional education. A Certified Public Accountant since 1990, Miller has also dedicated decades to community service through organizations including Family Service Inc., ZooMontana, St. Pius X Catholic Church, the St. Vincent Hospital Foundation and Downtown Billings Rotary Club.
Miller has remained connected to MSU Billings through teaching workshops and service to City College.
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Distinguished Alumni Award
Shanna Tourtlotte, class of 2003
Tourtlette is CEO of SYNERGY HomeCare of Billings and SYNERGY HomeCare of Denver and has led the SYNERGY organization since 2009. Under her leadership, the company has served more than 3,000 families in the Billings area and has grown to rank among the top 1 percent of home care agencies in the SYNERGY HomeCare franchise system. In 2024, Tourtlotte received the organization’s Paul Avona Compassion Award in recognition of her leadership, empathy and commitment to clients and the home-care profession.
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Alumni Merit Medallion Award
Hope Wilson, class of 1998 and 2003
A longtime educator, Wilson is assistant principal at Billings Senior High. She has dedicated her career to education and supporting students with diverse learning needs. Her professional experience includes helping develop Billings Alternative High School, teaching at Billings Senior High and serving as a coordinator of special education for Billings Public Schools. Since 2007, Wilson has also taught special education courses at MSU Billings and contributed to educator preparation, accreditation and initiatives creating pathways into the teaching profession.
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Alumni Merit Medallion Award
Jane Deschner, class of 1987
Deschner is an accomplished artist, educator and advocate for the arts whose career began at Eastern Montana College. Her work has been exhibited widely, including at the Robert Mann Gallery in New York City and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Deschner has taught and led workshops throughout her career, served nine years on the Montana Arts Council and received numerous awards and grants recognizing her artistic work.
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Ronald P. Sexton Award for Professional Commitment
Craig McKenzie, class of 1993
McKenzie is currently the department chair and an instructor of Computer Systems Technology at MSU Billings City College. He began his career at Eastern Montana College in 1993, and transitioned to a faculty role the following year. During his more than three decades of service, McKenzie has held numerous leadership positions, including department chair, NSF grant principal investigator, faculty union vice president and president, and Academic Senate member. His longstanding commitment continues to benefit students, faculty and the City College community.
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Friend of MSUB Award
John W. Green, PhD, and Carol L. H. Green, (MS degree 2004)
A couple whose lives have been devoted to the arts, the Greens have championed educational opportunities in the fine arts, music and theater across Montana for more than 30 years. Their passion for ceramics and belief in the power of arts education inspired their support for MSU Billings and its new Sculpture & Ceramic Studio, a new and transformative campus priority that will provide students with the inspiring environment creativity deserves.
The Greens believe hands-on creativity develops critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation, skills essential in today’s world.
Among the first to embrace the vision for the new studio, they are helping create an inspiring space where students can explore, collaborate and bring ideas to life. Through their generosity, including support for student scholarships, the Greens are expanding opportunities for creativity, craftsmanship and artistic development at MSU Billings for generations to come.
About the Outstanding Alumni Awards
The MSU Billings Outstanding Alumni Awards honor graduates and friends of the university for their professional achievements, contributions to their communities, and commitment to the advancement of MSU Billings. The awards recognize the significant impact these individuals have made in their respective fields and the positive influence they continue to have on the university.
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