News
The University of Montana Western Names Heddeen as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
from the website of The University of Montana Western
Deborah Hedeen, currently dean of the college of education at Idaho State University, has been named provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Montana Western, Chancellor Beth Weatherby announced today.
“In selecting a new provost my top priority was to choose an academic leader who will vigorously support the work of our Montana Western community as we build on our tradition of excellence and the extraordinary success of Experience One," Weatherby said.
Experience One is Montana Western’s innovative scheduling system where students take a single class at a time and experience their education through hands-on, real-world learning.
“Dr. Hedeen is a proven, effective academic leader with keen interpersonal skills,” Weatherby said. “She is an enthusiastic supporter of Montana Western’s approach to experiential learning and is guided by a deep passion for student success. I look forward to introducing her to our campus and community.”
“There is something very special happening at the University of Montana Western,” Hedeen said. “The administration, faculty and staff have been instrumental in creating and establishing a teaching, learning and working environment that promotes and supports excellence and innovation.
“I am honored and excited to be joining Chancellor Weatherby in taking the university and Experience One to the next level.”
For the past 10 years, Hedeen has served as dean of the college of education at Idaho State where she oversees 43 full-time faculty on four campuses and approximately 900 undergraduate students and 250 graduate students.
As dean she took the college of education from a $364,000 debt to balanced budgets within four years. Under her leadership the college of education was restructured in alignment with the school’s mission and strategic plan.
Before serving as dean, Hedeen was associate dean of the college of education and assistant dean of teacher education at Idaho State.
She earned a doctorate of philosophy in special education from Syracuse University; a Master of Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass.; and holds a Bachelor of Science in special education and Spanish from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minn.
She will succeed Interim Provost Sylvia Moore who has served in the position since July 2015. Moore chaired the provost search committee.
Hedeen was one of over 100 applicants in the nationwide search. The final three visited campus and met with students, faculty and staff during March 2016.
Her appointment will be submitted to the Montana Board of Regents for final approval.
Hedeen is expected to assume her new duties July 1, 2016.
