BUTTE – Montana Technological University Chancellor Les Cook will retire in 2025.
According to a press release from Montana Tech, Dr. Les Cook will retire from his position effective June 30, 2025, completing nearly 40 years in higher education.
“Serving as chancellor of Montana Tech remains the pinnacle of my career in higher education,” Cook said. “I am humbled and truly grateful to those who have made Montana Tech the incredible institution it is today. Our faculty, staff and students are the finest there are, and it has been a joy for me and my wife, Stephanie, to have them as colleagues, friends and family.”
Cook has led Montana Tech since 2019 and has led the institution through significant growth and development to become one of the nation’s leading STEM universities. Prior to coming to MUS to lead Montana Tech, Cook spent 16 years at Michigan Technological University in numerous leadership roles, including vice president for strategic university partnerships, vice president for student affairs and advancement, vice president for student affairs, and vice provost and dean of students. Cook has also held positions at the University of the Pacific, the University of Utah, and Salt Lake Community College.
Over the past five years, Montana Tech has focused on maintaining and strengthening academic programs, including the launch of a second Ph.D., new STEM-based degree programs, the recent Board of Regents approval of seven microcredentials in resource technologies, and increasing the capacity of high-demand programs. In addition, during Cook’s tenure as chancellor, the university placed a strong emphasis on increasing enrollment and improving student success. Applications for admission to the university have doubled, with the fall 2023 class being the largest since 2014. All indications are that this trend will continue with fall 2024 enrollment.
The university made efforts to build a robust model for academic advising and student success, opened the Student Success/Living Learning Center, recognized six Goldwater Scholars, and launched an Outdoor Tech program with a focus on health and wellness. In addition, the dining hall underwent a major $1 million renovation, the campus celebrated the largest number of students living on campus, and recorded some of the highest student graduation rates in history.
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Montana Tech’s athletics have also seen notable success. Oredigger’s athletics have won 12 Frontier Conference championships, two George R. Bandy Memorial All Sports Awards, and added two sports: men’s and women’s cross country and track and field.
The institution has also experienced unprecedented growth in philanthropic support. Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, Montana Tech has been able to secure numerous groundbreaking gifts, including $7 million for the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing, $2 million for the Endowed Chair in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, and most recently $31 million from Ryan and Lisa Lance—the largest gift in the university’s history, which funded student scholarships, an endowed chair in energy, and Digger Athletics. This tremendous gift will further advance Tech’s expertise in STEM fields and distinguish the institution as a leader in energy, environment, and sustainability.
With the 125th With Montana Tech’s upcoming anniversary, the state’s recent investment of approximately $50 million in construction and infrastructure improvements including the renovation of Main Hall and Engineering Hall, extraordinary growth in research, recent accreditation, and the accomplishments noted above, Montana Tech is well positioned for the future.
“From the moment he stepped on campus, Chancellor Cook led Montana Tech with vision and determination. His ability to secure funds to improve Tech’s facilities and his commitment to advancing the university’s academic mission will long be remembered. Les loves Butte and he loves Tech, and we wish him the very best in his retirement,” said Seth Bodnar, president of the University of Montana.
Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian praised Cook for his tireless leadership of Montana Tech, his successes in growing the university and his commitment to strengthening its reputation as a premier postsecondary education option for students seeking opportunities not only in STEM fields but in a growing number of academic programs.
“Chancellor Cook’s innovative leadership has placed Montana Tech on a solid footing and positive trajectory,” Christian said. “His remarkable list of accomplishments during his tenure at the helm of Montana Tech will continue to benefit students, faculty, staff and the state of Montana well into the future. I am pleased that Chancellor Cook intends to lead the university through another year of academic growth while a new chancellor is elected, and I am confident the transition will be smooth. Montana Tech’s momentum will continue to grow as the university welcomes new and returning students for the 2024-25 academic year.”
Cook said, “Montana Tech and the Butte community will always hold a special place in my heart. We have made significant progress on many fronts, but at the end of the day, it’s really about the people. The Montana Tech family is extraordinary and the Butte community is one of a kind. Not a day goes by that we are not proud of this impact and recognize that every day is a great day to be an Oredigger!”
Commissioner Christian added that his office has retained Greenwood, Asher & Associates to assist with the selection process. A search committee, chaired by OCHE Vice Commissioner Tyler Trevor, is expected to begin recruiting and screening candidates for the position in September.
