Myers McRae Assists the University of Montana Western with Chancellor Search
April 30, 2026 – Kenny Daugherty of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Estee Aiken as the next chancellor of the University of Montana Western (UMW). “Dr. Aiken’s broad and extensive experience as a teacher, administrator, and researcher as well as her demonstrated dedication to education at all levels, including teacher preparation, makes her an ideal fit to lead UM Western,” said Clayton Christian. “Her stewardship will ensure that UMW sustains and grows its reputation as a high-quality university offering innovative programming and a unique student experience within the Montana University System.”
Dr. Aiken is no stranger to UMW, having advanced through various roles at the institution over the past 15 years. She joined the faculty at the university in 2011, earning the rank of tenured professor of education. She then moved into the position of dean of strategic initiatives, overseeing university accreditation, strategic planning, workforce efforts, and dual enrollment. Dr. Aiken is currently UMW’s interim provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, where she works to advance UMW’s academic mission.
Dr. Aiken’s accomplished career includes K-12 teaching and training positions, K-12 and postsecondary administrative positions, and leadership roles on dozens of local, state, and national boards and task forces, including the Dillon School District board of trustees. Dr. Aiken’s scholarship has focused on gifted and talented education, early childhood education, and high-leverage practices in teacher preparation. Her distinguished career highlights include recognition as a Montana University System Teacher Scholar, directing and contributing to impactful grant-funded projects, and editing and co-authoring a comprehensive array of professional publications.
“It is my honor and privilege be the next chancellor for UMW,” said Dr. Aiken. “I value the experiences and relationships that have led me to this opportunity, and I look forward to what lies ahead. I’m fortunate to have called UM Western and Dillon my home for 15 years now, and I am thrilled at the possibilities as chancellor to invest further in this community, in this university, and especially in the students who are at its heart.”
The University of Montana Western is a comprehensive, four-year, regional university offering certificates, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees. The university offers 32 bachelor’s degrees, 23 associate’s degrees, 13 certificates, and one graduate certificate from 10 different academic departments. UMW is an affiliate campus of the University of Montana. It has 68 full-time faculty members and 47 part-time faculty members, resulting in a student/ professor ratio of 15:1 and an average class size of fewer than 20 students.
Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting serves colleges, universities, independent schools, and other not-for-profit institutions. Nearly all of its search professionals have a minimum of 20 years of experience in higher education. The majority of the firm’s searches have been for presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and other senior academic and administrative leaders.
Related: Myers McRae Assists Pfeiffer University with Provost Search
Mr. Daugherty is Myers McRae’s president. He has an extensive background in higher education administration, having served 28 years in public and independent institutions. Throughout his career in higher education, he had personnel responsibilities and served on numerous search committees for professional staff and administrators for the institution.
Mr. Daugherty has conducted hundreds of searches for schools across the nation, including presidential searches for the University of Montana Western, Northwest Missouri State University, McDaniel College, Oakwood University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Pasco-Hernando State College, Pierpont Community and Technical College, Wichita Area Technical College, and the Georgia Independent College Association.
Florida A&M CHRO Search
Myers McRae was retained by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) to lead in its search for an assistant vice president and chief human resources officer (AVP/CHRO). Jennifer Barfield, executive vice president, is leading the assignment. This senior executive position provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight of all human resources functions across the university’s campuses and locations. They are responsible for shaping and executing human capital strategies that advance the university’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and operational effectiveness.
The CHRO is accountable for the effective university-wide planning and administration of all HR activities on the main campus and satellite locations. This position develops and implements HR strategies aligned with the organization’s business goals, mission, and values, and leads the HR function to support organizational growth and transformation.
Last year, Myers McRae assisted in the recruitment of Marva Johnson as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Her selection followed a thorough presidential search, which narrowed the field to four highly qualified Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, Brian Lamb, noted Ms. Johnson’s corporate connections, coupled with her vision for student success, will enhance the FAMU career pipeline to new levels.
Related: Myers McRae Leading Provost Search for Broward College
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
