University Historical Timeline
(Major Events of the University Since 1998)

1999

Online courses begin
First family housing units completed
Property Acquisition of a large parcel on Normal Avenue was approved by Board of Regents
Peaks to Plains Park opens; Quarry built including rock quarries and waterfall
Implemented Banner Finance, Accounts Receivable, Human Resources, Student and Financial Aid
New Programs approved – Master of Science in Psychology, Master of Science in Public Relations, Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing
The Music Department has a successful accreditation review by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
Dr. Gary Gray hired as Director of Athletics

2000

New fitness facility opens
BOR authorizes MSU Billings to establish the Commercial Space Policy Institute as part of the function and purpose of the Urban Institute
Building project (COE) approved by legislature
Addition to College of Education and Human Services Building completed
MSU Billings establishes the state’s first and only NCAA, Division II women’s softball program
Demolition of campus school
COE and Human Services begins preparations for 2002 NCATE evaluation
Renovations initiated on space in North Wing of COB
New Programs approved – Associate of Applied Science in Automobile Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology, Associate of Applied Science in Computer Systems Technology, Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology, Minor in Business Geographic Information Systems
Dr. George White hired as Dean, College of Education

2001

Reaccredidation of the Music program by the National Association of Schools of Music
Information commons area added to Library; 85 computers added for use as student lab
MSU Billings Foundation receives large contribution towards establishing a childcare center on the campus
Academic Support Center opens
COT hosts an ACT center; main emphasis will be Adult Literacy/Employability
Skills, Computer Basics, Information Technology, ESL, Management and Leadership, Personal and Professional Development, Industrial Technology, Occupational Training and Safety Skills
MSU Billings begins their 75th Anniversary; continues through Fall 2002
Collaborative NIH/BRIN grant awarded. MSU Billings receives a $150,000 for the purchase of lab equipment and lab renovations
Recipient of 5-year $133,000 grant from Department of Education for student childcare scholarships
Cenex Stadium, home of the Lady Yellowjacket softball team, opened
William R. Lowe Childcare and Enrichment Center opened
New program approved – Associate of Science Program of Study in Fire Science

2002

Opening of ACT center at COT
Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams qualified for NCAA regional tournament in California
John Cech hired as Dean, College of Technology
Grand opening of Cenex-MSU Billings Women’s Softball field and new indoor tennis facility
MSU Billings receives a $5 million Talent Search Grant
U.S. Department of HUD granted $1 million to renovate COT; to provide an innovative support system and environment to meet the needs of new local, regional, and statewide technology industries. Another $1 million is pending
Sam E. and Judith McDonald Family pledges d $1.4 million to benefit the College of Business (largest charitable donation to the university)
McDonald Hall Building renovated
$3 million renovation in the Liberal Arts Building
College of Education received a very successful accreditation review achieving perfect scores at the graduate and undergraduate levels – the first time in our school’s history – from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (N.C.A.T.E.)
New programs approved – Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, AAS in Computer Desktop and Network Support, Master of Science in Athletic Training
The Department of Art has a successful accreditation visit by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

2003

MSU Billings joins with MSU in Bozeman to offer a graduate program called Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Facilities Services completes conceptual design for new McMullen Bridge
MSU Billings Downtown campus opened
Janet Simon hired as Director, Human Resources
Gwendolyn Braun hired as Director of Academic Support Center
Cheri Johannes hired as Director of Advising Center
Construction at COT for “High Tech Outreach Center” completed. Includes: two new computer labs, student study lounge, conference center to accommodate 120 people
The College of Professional Studies and Lifelong Learning moves to downtown Billings
College of Education receives the National Award for Best Practice in Support of Teacher Education from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (A.A.C.T.E.)
New program approved – Masters in Public Administration

2004

The rim of Peaks to Plains complete; includes ornamental railing, wall, seating, and trees commemorating 76 years of class graduations
Five new inductees to Hall of Fame and Distinction: Dr. Rick Billstein, Cal Crawley, Megan Dickerson, Michelle (Taylor) Lipp, and Dr. Ronald Sexton (this brings number to 100)
Department of Health and Human Performance acquires space in Physical Ed Building for new human performance lab
Completion of new athletic training room
COT receives two Congressional-directed grants to expand Process Plant Tech program and Health Tech programs
U.S. Senator Max Baucus tours COT in the area of Process Plant Technology, Welding, Auto Tech, Diesel Technology, Tool Room, HVACR Lab/Classroom, Computer Systems Tech, and Health Occupations
In partnership with MDU, MSU Billings demonstrates fuel cell energy units
Establishment of the College of Allied Health Professions, the University’s sixth college
$1 million renovation completed at the College of Technology
Kelly Gatzemeier, a senior Marketing student and Adrienne Mayer, a senior Accounting student authored the business plan that netted the pair a first place win at the 15th Annual John Ruffatto Montana Business Plan Competition at The University of Montana
Jacquelyn Weitz, senior Piano Performance student, was in the Netherlands where she was chosen as one of 30 students from across the globe – the only student from the United States – to compete in the Young Artists’ Competition of the Netherlands
Reno Charette, Director of the Big Horn Teacher Projects at MSU Billings, named “Indian Educator of the Year” by the Montana Indian Education Association
MSU Billings Outreach office opened in Red Lodge
Fulbright Scholars: Dr. Matthew Benaquista, Dr. Ernesto Randolfi, Dr. Brian Dillon and Dr. Jeffrey Sanders.
New programs approved – Minor in International Studies, Minor in Finance, Minor in Marketing, Minor in Accounting, Minor in Information Systems, AAS in Application Development

2005

Gov. Brian Schweitzer visits COT; particularly interested in Process Plant; joint House and Senate Long Range Planning Committee recommend $9 million be allocated to COT
Dr. George White, Dean of College of Education and Director of Graduate Studies named Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
Dr. Mary Susan Fishbaugh was named Interim Dean for the College of Education
Dr. Kirk Lacy named Interim Dean for the College of Professional Studies and Lifelong Learning
Montana Center on Disabilities and Bighorn Teacher Projects receives $1.1 million from U.S. Department of Education to implement Teacher Education for All in Montana (TEAM)
For the 6th consecutive year, MSU Billings ranked as one of the nation’s “Best Colleges” in U.S. News and World Report
Two-year Medical Assistant Program at COT received national accreditation by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
MSU Billings Downtown campus celebrated official opening
Dr. Tasneem Khaleel was appointed permanent Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. David Garloff hired as Dean, College of Allied Health Professions
Brent Roberts named Associate Director of Library Services
Cheri Johannes, hired as Director of Admissions & Records & Registrar
Dr. David McGinnis hired as Co-Director, Grants & Sponsored Programs
John Walsh hired as Co-Director, Grants & Sponsored Programs
Men’s NCAA Division II baseball program begins
Shelly Andersen hirector as Director, New Student Services
The Athletic Training Program received initial accreditation from the Commission of Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

2006

Dr. Karen Heikel hired as Dean, College of Professional Studies and Lifelong Learning
Dr. Gary Young Hired as Dean, College of Business
Dr. Stacy Klippenstein hired as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Dr. Rita Kratky, hired as Director, Advising Center
Judy Chapman hired as Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Julie Seedhouse hired as Director, Alumni Relations
New programs approved – AAS in Construction Technology, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in General Science, AAS in Medical Coding
A record number, 9,000, students served in online enrollments
Record year in grant receipts totaling $8.5 million
Major improvements made to the soccer field at West Campus
Fulbright Scholar – Dr. Susan Barfield
Chancellor Ronald Sexton received the 2006 Distinguished Leadership
Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
For the 7th consecutive year, MSU Billings ranked as one of the nation’s “Best Colleges” in U.S. News and World Report

2007

Bachelor degree in Political Science developed and approved
Teaching option in Political Science developed and approved
Bachelor degree and minor in Outdoor Adventure Leadership
New Criminal Justice program approved and advisory board formed
Completion of new Health Sciences Building at the COT West Campus
The Master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling completed its reaccreditation with Council on Rehabilitation Education
(CORE)
Reno Charette hired as Coordinator of Native American Studies
Paperwork filed by Dr. David Butler and Dr. Kurt Toenjes to secure the first patent for MSU Billings
New degree in Power Plant Technology Approved
Dr. Barbara Wheeling, accounting professor, authors ag accounting textbook

2008

Dr. D’Ann Campbell hired as Provost and Academic Vice Chancellor
Scott Forshee hired as University Police Chief
Liz Tooley hired as University Budget Officer
Kirk Lacy hired as Associate Dean of the College of Technology
Tim Tirrell hired as Director of eLearning Operations
New online learning tool for faculty — Desire2Learn — adopted
Jessica Smothers hired as Student Success Coordinator to improve retention
Murdock Charitable Trust awards $251,000 grant to MSU Billings College of Technology for science lab equipment
Linda Christensen, MSU Billings special education professor honored for lifetime achievement
Accounting major Wayne Scharnhorst picked as top student employee in Montana
New state-of-the-art Management Information Systems lab — developed with grants and community support — dedicated at the College of Business
Dr. Ken Miller, professor of education, receives $625,000 grant to update the way science is taught in Montana elementary schools