Montana Western Announces Heather Hoyer as 2026 Commencement Speaker
February 4, 2026
The University of Montana Western is proud to announce Heather Hoyer, Board of Regents Member and Superintendent of Great Falls Public Schools, as the Commencement speaker for its 129th Annual Commencement Ceremony to be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Bulldog Stadium.
Now in her 31st year as a professional educator, Hoyer has dedicated her career to strengthening education at every level, from preschool through higher education and workforce development. A native of Trego, Montana, and a graduate of Lincoln County High School in Eureka, Hoyer is the daughter of a rural schoolteacher and has spent her life advancing educational opportunity for students across the state.
Hoyer’s professional experience spans adult education, dual credit instruction, coaching, middle and high school science teaching, school administration, and executive leadership, culminating in her role as Superintendent. She is widely recognized as a champion for hands-on learning, innovation, and collaboration, and was named the 2024 Montana ACTE Administrator of the Year for her leadership in Career and Technical Education.
Her connection to Montana Western runs deep. Hoyer earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Science Education from Western Montana College (now UMW) in 1994. It was during her time in Dillon that she met her husband, Keith Hoyer, also a dedicated educator. Together, they have raised two daughters who continue the family’s proud Bulldog legacy and commitment to public education. Taylor (Hoyer) Mavrinac, a UMW alumna, teaches art in Belt, while Kassie (Hoyer) Dixon teaches math and science at Great Falls High School.
Hoyer continued her education at the University of Montana, earning a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Development and a Superintendent Endorsement. She has served on numerous education-focused boards, including the University of Providence Board of Directors, the University of Montana Pre-Medical Sciences Advocacy Committee, and the Montana State University–Northern Education Advisory Council. She was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Regent for the Montana University System Board of Regents, where she brings the perspective of K–12 public education to statewide decision-making.
Within the Great Falls community, Hoyer serves on the Board of Public Health, Great Falls Development Alliance Board, Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Board, and Benefis Hospital Board. Outside of her professional work, she and her family enjoy cheering on their favorite teams and exploring Montana’s outdoors.
“Montana Western is thrilled to welcome alumna Heather Hoyer back to campus as our 2026 Commencement speaker,” said Michael Reid, Chancellor of the University of Montana Western. “Heather embodies the values we strive to instill in our graduates, including a deep commitment to learning, service, and leadership. Her journey from UMW student to statewide education leader is inspiring, and we are excited for our graduates to have this opportunity to learn from her experiences as they begin their own next chapters.”
For more information about Commencement, please contact the Montana Western Registrar’s Office by calling 406-683-7371 or visit https://tinyurl.com/UMWComm26.
