Myers McRae Retained by the University of Montana Western for Chancellor Search
February 23, 2026 – Kenny Daugherty of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been retained by the University of Montana Western (UMW) to lead in its search for a new chancellor. The school seeks a confident and perceptive individual to serve in the executive leadership role of chancellor. With the abilities to balance and prioritize, the chancellor will possess the discernment to assess, modify, and define a path on which Montana Western can pursue its mission and goals. This executive administrator is responsible for effectively building on Montana Western’s steadily growing enrollment, leading-edge learning technology, and outstanding academic programs, while strategically strengthening and positioning the institution for further success.
Working closely with the president of the University of Montana, the chancellor sets the vision and priorities of the University of Montana Western, ensuring that all are reflective of the institution’s mission of meeting the educational needs of its students. The chancellor will have the leadership skills, administrative experiences, and management abilities to effectively oversee the personnel, facilities, and operations of the university that serves a diverse population.
A confident and perceptive administrator who is able to make difficult decisions and to pursue strategic courses of action, the new chancellor will work collaboratively with others. Together with the abilities to balance and prioritize, the chancellor will possess the discernment and judgment to assess, modify, and find a coherent path on which Montana Western can pursue its mission and goals. The executive officer’s leadership style will help preserve and enhance the connectedness of each part of the campus community. The chancellor will embrace the role as Montana Western’s chief ambassador and excel in representing the university.
An essential quality in the incoming chancellor is the ability to connect, collaborate, and building positive relationships with stakeholders in order to advance and complete capital campaigns. An earned terminal degree is preferred. Extensive academic and administrative experience at the level of dean or higher is required.
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 Leading Provost Search for Broward College
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 Search
Myers McRae recently assisted in the recruitment of Marva Johnson as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Her selection followed a thorough presidential search, which narrowed the field to four highly qualified finalists. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. “Congratulations to Marva Johnson on her confirmation as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University,” said Raymond Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida. “President Johnson brings a strong vision for student success and a commitment to elevating FAMU’s national profile. I am confident she will lead the university to greater heights.”
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.
“Marva Johnson’s confirmation as the next president of FAMU marks a new chapter in the university’s legacy,” he said. “Her visionary leadership, deep commitment to improving outcomes for students, and passion for innovation will be the catalyst for FAMU to build on the rich tradition and have a greater impact on the local community, the state, and the nation.”
Related: Myers McRae Assists Pfeiffer University with Provost Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
