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UM Western Provost named new chancellor of Montana Tech • Daily Montanan [1]
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Date: 2025-05-07
The new chancellor of Montana Technological University will be Johnny MacLean, provost, or chief academic officer, at the University of Montana Western, university officials announced Wednesday.
The appointment starts June 1 and is pending approval by the Montana Board of Regents.
“The depth of experience Dr. MacLean brings to Montana Tech as both an accomplished scientist and as a student-centered administrator will be of immense value to the university as he leads it into the next era of growth and expansion,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian in a statement. “His passion and vision for Tech’s STEM-focused mission makes him an excellent choice to continue Tech on its positive trajectory.”
MacLean joined Montana Western in 2022 and is provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. He previously worked in the Office of the Provost at Southern Utah University since 2016 including as associate provost.
MacLean was one of two finalists announced for the chancellor job in March 2025.
In April, the Montana University System announced it had tapped the other finalist, Karen Marrongelle, with the U.S. National Science Foundation, as the new Montana Tech chancellor.
However, a couple of weeks later, Marrongelle withdrew, citing circumstances “beyond my control” in “unprecedented times.” She did not elaborate.
In the news release Wednesday, MacLean said he is enthusiastic about taking the helm of the Butte university.
“Montana Tech’s unique purpose is clear,” MacLean said in a statement. “This institution serves students who want to change the world through STEM disciplines, and it is the honor of my career to support them in pursuing their goals. I am excited to be joining the vibrant city of Butte and look forward to building on Tech’s strong tradition of partnership with the community.”
In fall 2024, Montana Tech had a headcount of roughly 2,400 including at its Highlands College, and Montana Western counted 1,228, according to the Montana University System.
The news release said MacLean completed a bachelor’s in geology at Furman University in 2001, a master’s. in Earth Science at Syracuse University in 2004, and a doctorate in Geosciences at the University of Montana in 2007.
Upon completion of his academic studies, MacLean worked in the oil and gas industry in Texas as a geologist and in the environmental consulting industry in Montana, the news release said.
“As a tenured faculty member of geology at Southern Utah University, Dr. MacLean combined his passion for the outdoors and belief in teaching authentically by taking his students outside to learn from nature and to see scientific concepts come to life,” the news release said.
The news release said MacLean and Chancellor Les Cook will collaborate in June on a leadership transition that ensures continuity and maintains momentum for the university.
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