May 7, 2025
The University of Montana Western has announced that Dr. Johnny MacLean, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, has been appointed as Chancellor of Montana Technological University. Dr. MacLean will begin his new role this summer.
Dr. Johnny MacLean
Since joining Montana Western, Dr. MacLean has played a vital role in strengthening academic programming, championing student-centered learning, and advancing faculty development. His leadership has helped shape a dynamic academic environment rooted in innovation and excellence.
“Dr. MacLean’s leadership has elevated every corner of campus life at Montana Western,” said UMW Chancellor Michael Reid. “We are grateful for his many contributions, his tireless dedication to our students and faculty, and the deep care he has shown for the success of our university. We wish him all the best in this well-deserved new role at Montana Tech.”
Montana Western will begin a comprehensive national search for its next Provost immediately, with the goal of providing a strong candidate pool for review when faculty return to campus this fall.
Dr. Brian Elliott
Dr. Brian Elliott, Chair of UMW’s Division of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Professor of English, will serve as Interim Provost during the transition.
Dr. Elliott earned his B.S. in Computer Science and English from Muskingum University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in English from Ohio University. His research and teaching interests include early American literature, British and Transatlantic Romanticism, satire, mythology and folklore, and the social dimensions of violence in literature. At Montana Western, he teaches courses in graphic novels, early American literature, fantasy and science fiction, and composition.
