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Board approves rebranding of five Colleges of Technology; MSU Great Falls naming to be decided separately
Summary
After extensive stakeholder outreach, the Board approved renaming five Colleges of Technology and related programs but agreed to consider the MSU Great Falls College of Technology name separately, requiring a final name consistent with the 'Place, Mission, Affiliation' framework by June 29, 2012.
The Board of Regents voted to proceed with rebranding five Colleges of Technology and associated two‑year programs, citing extensive stakeholder outreach and the goal of clarifying mission and reducing name confusion.
Deputy Commissioner John Cech described a multi‑year outreach effort that included listening sessions, surveys, focus groups and statewide summits involving thousands of participants. The board discussed the rebranding as more than a name change, saying it is intended to better communicate mission and increase utilization of two‑year education in Montana.
Regent Paul Tuss moved to segregate the MSU Great Falls College of Technology rebranding and require any final name to conform to the naming framework approved March 2 ('Place, Mission, Affiliation'). The board agreed by consensus to allow separate consideration and requested a resolution no later than Friday, June 29, 2012. Local stakeholders including the University of Great Falls leadership and students urged care to avoid campus name confusion and to involve affected local institutions in the process.
The full rebranding motion (ITEM 155‑106‑R0512) as amended was approved by the board; discussion and public comment emphasized mission clarity and regional workforce connections.
