Montana Tech National Women’s History Month
Submitted by the DEI Committee at Montana Tech regarding National Women’s History Month
Montana Tech Statement in regards to National Women’s History Month
Montana Tech proudly celebrates National Women's History Month, dedicating this time to honoring and recognizing the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. As a university committed to fostering equality and empowering all members of our community, we take pride in acknowledging women’s achievements, leadership, and resilience in various fields.
During this month, Montana Tech seeks to inspire and educate, highlighting the significant roles women have played in shaping our world. From groundbreaking discoveries in STEM to advancements in the arts, humanities, and beyond, women have been instrumental in driving progress and innovation.
We encourage our community to participate in events, discussions, and activities that promote awareness and appreciation for women's history. Through education and reflection, we aspire to create an inclusive environment that uplifts and empowers women, both within our campus community and beyond.
Together, let us honor the legacy of women who have paved the way for future generations, and continue working towards a future where gender equality is fully realized.
It took me over 10 years of advanced schooling, working, and moving across the country to land permanent, full-time, fulfilling work. During that decade, I had a child and finished my PhD in Higher Education, but I am most proud of my persistence in staying the course. I can’t say I am where I imagined I would be ten years ago, but I am fulfilled by being where I am. I talk about my educational journey because I hope to encourage my students to see their education, and the life they live along the way, as a journey to be valued. It isn’t always about planning the exact destination but being open to accepting the possibilities resulting from traveling the path.
The achievement I am most proud of is promoting the success of my students, nearly half of whom have been female engineering students, providing them with the solid foundational knowledge and strong problem-solving skills that will serve them throughout their careers, allowing them to achieve their own individual goals.
The achievement that fills me with the most incredible pride is the work I've dedicated to enhancing educational accessibility for diverse groups of students. Throughout my professional journey—starting from my role as a student recruiter in my undergraduate days, moving on to become an international project manager where I worked closely with the U.S State Department and international educators, and now serving as the Director of Associate of Science & Curriculum at Highlands College of Montana Tech—I have consistently focused my efforts on developing initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
As I approach my last year at Montana Tech, I could not be more thankful for the supportive community at our university. Being a disabled woman in STEM has been challenging, but the opportunities offered here were never limited. In the past five years, I have participated in eight student organizations, completed six research projects, presented at five research symposiums, and have two degrees (almost there). I am a MIT REU Summer Scholar, Goldwater Scholar, Rhodes Scholarship Finalist, valedictorian, and Butte Local Hero. I was able to do it with the community at Tech. During my time here, I learned that you can succeed, regardless of gender or physical limitations.
In 2022, I received the Dean Preble Memorial Award from the Montana Council of Teachers of Math (MCTM). I joined MCTM when I started teaching at Montana Tech in 2008. For the past 16 years, the organization has been a huge part of my professional life. Over the years, I served the organization and the state in a lot of different roles. I have had the opportunity to learn from amazing teachers and build wonderful friendships. I am honored and humbled to be included on a list with so many educators that I personally admire. I am excited to continue my service to the mathematics community in Montana and to work with the amazing educators from across the state.
I have had the privilege of being employed by Montana Tech since 1989. For my first 33years (1989-2022), I was the Director of Nursing. During my tenure, my greatest accomplishment was leading the transition from a certificate licensed practical nursing program to a four-year baccalaureate degree in nursing. Today, our nursing program is a top program in Montana! For the last two years (2024-present), I have been dean of Highlands College. I have converted curriculum, added new certificate and degree programs and focused on workforce development. The latest challenge has been exciting and rewarding. My success has been directly related to the wonderful people I have worked with over the past 35years.