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Board of Regents approves FY26 operating budgets and several campus facilities projects
Summary
The Montana Board of Regents approved the MUS FY26 operating budgets and authorized multiple campus facility projects, including renovations, a coffee‑shop remodel and ADA improvements; one lease vote saw an abstention by Regent Loren Bough.
The Montana Board of Regents voted Sept. 18 to approve the Montana University System’s FY26 operating budgets and to authorize a slate of campus facility projects across the system.
The Board, chaired by Todd Buchanan, approved the comprehensive FY26 operating budgets after a presentation by Deputy Commissioner Tyler Trevor and Director of Budget and Planning Shauna Lyons. Regent Dean Folkvord moved approval of ITEM 220-101-R0925; the motion passed 6-0.
In a series of facility votes, the Board approved a request to remodel the coffee shop within Lommasson Center at the University of Montana‑Missoula (ITEM 220-1005‑R0925), authorize renovation and additions to the Visual Communications Building at Montana State University (ITEM 220-2003‑R0925), and approve construction of an elevator and related ADA improvements at Lewis Hall at MSU (ITEM 220-2005‑R0925). Each of those motions passed unanimously, with Regents Hoyer, Jasper and Dombrouski respectively making the motions.
The Board also approved a lease for additional space in the Engineworks Building on the MSU Innovation Campus on behalf of a Defense Innovation OnRamp HUB (ITEM 220-2004‑R0925). Regent Joyce Dombrouski moved that item; the motion passed with five votes in favor and one abstention. Regent Loren Bough recorded the abstention.
Earlier, the Board approved consent staff and facility items that included labor agreements and a request authorizing an off‑campus lease with Hamilton Public Schools on behalf of UM‑Bitterroot College, and a Reid Hall renovation at Montana State University as part of the consent package that passed 6-0.
Board meeting materials show the budget presentations covered system‑level history, revenue and expenditure trends, campus metrics and staffing and enrollment benchmarks. Director Shauna Lyons walked the Regents through the fund types that make up the all‑funds summary for the MUS during the presentation.
The Board adjourned the public meeting at 4:00 p.m. and convened an executive session at 4:10 p.m. on matters related to individual privacy.
