AGB Search Seeking President for the University of Montana

February 10, 2026 – Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by the University of Montana (UM) to lead in its search for a new president. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald are leading the assignment. The Board of Regents for the Montana University System and Montana commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian invite nominations and applications for an innovative, inspirational, and visionary leader to serve as the next president of the University of Montana.

The president of UM serves as the chief executive officer of the university and provides strategic, values-driven leadership to advance impact, access, and inclusive prosperity. Reporting directly to the commissioner of Higher Education, the CEO of the Montana University System, the president leads in a shared governance environment and works closely with the Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners across the state and beyond. The president will provide the university with visionary leadership, stewarding UM’s positive momentum at a pivotal moment for the institution.

The successful candidate will bring experience and accomplishments appropriate to leading a flagship public research university, including senior executive leadership in higher education or another complex organization. A successful candidate would have a distinguished record of academic achievement and scholarship at a degree-granting university or college, or senior leadership experience in a business, corporate environment, public sector, or nonprofit.

Candidates must have educational credentials or experience and a record of professional accomplishments commensurate with the position of president of a top-tier doctoral research university as well as demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership.

Founded in 1893 and located in Missoula, the University of Montana is a public flagship top-tier research university with a strong liberal arts foundation and a commitment to professional preparation, graduate education, research, and creative scholarship. UM serves more than 11,000 students in traditional baccalaureate, graduate certificate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as more than 10,000 additional learners through noncredit courses and workforce-focused trainings developed in partnership with employers and communities across Montana.

Related: AGB Search Fills Senior Position for Western Colorado University 

AGB Search conducts searches for college and university presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, university system heads, and CEOs of coordinating boards and related foundations. The firm was founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010.

Experienced Search Consultants

Dr. McDavis became the managing principal of AGB Search in 2017, after serving as president of Ohio University for 13 years. He is responsible for leading and managing all components of AGB Search including executive search, interim search, executive coaching, and ExecComp, the firm’s compensation evaluation service.

His representative executive searches include:

• University of Colorado Boulder – chancellor.
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln – chancellor.
• California State University, Sacramento – president.
• Central State University – president.
• Polk State College – provost, academic affairs & workforce education.
• University of Pittsburgh – vice chancellor & secretary to the board of trustees.

Dr. McCormick joined AGB Search in 2011. His work with over 65 searches has focused upon public higher education leadership for universities, colleges, community and two-year colleges, and state system heads. As chancellor emeritus of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Dr. McCormick began his term of office there in July 2001, and concluded service to the system in 2011.

His representative executive searches include:

• City Colleges of Chicago (IL) – chancellor, provost, seven college presidents.
• Emporia State University (KS) – president.
• Housatonic Community College – president.
• Iowa State University – president.
• Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education – president.
• Louisiana Board of Regents – commissioner.
• Montana Technological University – chancellor.
• State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (CO) – president.

Ms. Fitzgerald joined AGB Search in 2011. Ms. Fitzgerald’s work with over 65 searches has focused on public higher education leadership for universities, colleges, community and two-year colleges, and state system heads. Prior to joining AGB Search, Ms. Fitzgerald served 10 years as chief of staff and deputy chancellor for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

Her representative executive searches include:

• City Colleges of Chicago – chancellor, provost, seven college presidents.
• Idaho State University – president.
• Iowa State University – president.
• Kentucky Community and Technical College System – president.
• North Dakota State University – president.
• Pittsburg State University – president.
• University of Montana – president, provost.

Related: AGB Search Recruits 22nd President for Seton Hall University

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media