Montana State University (MSU) President, Waded Cruzado, has announced her retirement at the end of the 2024-25 academic year, marking the conclusion of her 15-year tenure leading the institution. Cruzado’s leadership has been characterized by significant achievements, including a surge in enrollment numbers, enhanced student success metrics, and a notable increase in research expenditures. As the university prepares to bid farewell to Cruzado, questions arise regarding the future direction of MSU and the search for her successor.
### A Legacy of Growth and Success
Under Cruzado’s guidance since assuming the presidency in 2010, Montana State University has experienced remarkable growth and progress in various areas. Enrollment figures have soared, with a 27.5% increase in student numbers from fall 2010 to fall 2022, reaching approximately 17,000 students today. This growth has solidified MSU’s position as the largest university in the state, reflecting Cruzado’s commitment to expanding access to higher education.
Moreover, student retention rates have shown significant improvement during Cruzado’s tenure. In the most recent academic year, 77.9% of first-year students returned for their second year, setting new records for the institution. This achievement underscores Cruzado’s dedication to enhancing the overall student experience and supporting academic success at Montana State University.
Notably, research expenditures at MSU have more than doubled under Cruzado’s leadership, reaching $230 million in 2023 compared to $98.5 million in 2009. This substantial increase in research funding highlights the university’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative research and scholarly activity, further solidifying its position as a key player in the academic landscape.
### A Transition Towards the Future
As Cruzado prepares to step down as president, the search for her successor is underway. Clayton Christian, Montana’s higher education commissioner, will lead the search process on behalf of the university’s governing board. To facilitate the recruitment of a new president, Montana State University will enlist the assistance of a recruitment firm, ensuring a comprehensive and thorough selection process.
In announcing Cruzado’s retirement, university officials commended her transformative leadership and significant contributions to the institution’s growth and success. Christian praised Cruzado as an exceptional leader who has left an indelible mark on higher education, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to the university community and its stakeholders.
Reflecting on her impending retirement, Cruzado expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate MSU’s traditions for another year before her departure. She highlighted the bittersweet nature of this transition, noting her anticipation of spending more time with family while acknowledging the profound impact of leaving behind a community she deeply cherishes.
### A Legacy of Advocacy and Impact
Prior to her tenure at Montana State University, Cruzado held various leadership roles, including executive vice president and provost at New Mexico State University. Her academic background includes serving as a dean at New Mexico State and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, her alma mater. Throughout her career, Cruzado has been a staunch advocate for higher education and has championed initiatives to support student success and academic excellence.
Christian underscored Cruzado’s legacy as a transformative leader who has elevated the standards of higher education, leaving a lasting impact on the university and its broader community. He lauded her dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, emphasizing the profound influence of her leadership on shaping the future trajectory of Montana State University.
While Cruzado’s tenure has been marked by significant accomplishments, it has not been without challenges. Recent investigations by the U.S. Department of Education into civil rights complaints against Montana State University have raised concerns about the institution’s response to discrimination and allegations of retaliation against LGBTQ+ advocates. These issues underscore the ongoing importance of upholding principles of equity and inclusion within the university community.
In navigating these challenges, Cruzado has maintained a steadfast commitment to addressing issues of diversity and equity, seeking to foster a campus environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all students, faculty, and staff. Her efforts to promote dialogue and understanding around issues of social justice and equality have been central to her leadership approach, positioning Montana State University as a place of learning and growth for all individuals.
### Looking Towards the Future
As Montana State University prepares for a new chapter in its leadership, the search for a new president represents a critical milestone in shaping the institution’s future trajectory. The selection of a new leader will have far-reaching implications for the university’s continued growth and development, as well as its commitment to academic excellence and student success.
The incoming president will inherit a legacy of achievement and progress established under Cruzado’s leadership, as well as the responsibility of guiding the institution through a period of transition and transformation. Key priorities for the new president may include building on MSU’s research strengths, enhancing student support services, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration across campus.
As the search process unfolds, stakeholders within the Montana State University community will play a vital role in shaping the selection criteria and identifying the qualities and attributes desired in the next president. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate a deep commitment to academic excellence, a strong record of leadership in higher education, and a vision for advancing the university’s mission and values in a rapidly evolving landscape.
In bidding farewell to Waded Cruzado, Montana State University acknowledges her significant contributions and lasting impact on the institution. As the university embarks on a new chapter, the spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence that Cruzado has fostered will continue to guide MSU’s journey towards a brighter and more promising future.
