Allie Kuntz, a student at Montana State University, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business management from the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship on May 8. During her time at the university, Kuntz has balanced academic pursuits with roles as a firefighter and paramedic, illustrating an uncommon blend of interests.
Kuntz’s experience highlights the diverse opportunities available to students at Montana State University. The institution enrolls about 17,165 students, split evenly between residents and nonresidents, according to the official website. It is recognized for its leadership in research funding within the state with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million as reported by the official website.
Originally from Red Lodge, Kuntz grew up working in her family’s restaurants before deciding to study business management to better understand how businesses operate. She credits instructor Mariah Stopplecamp for providing influential guidance during her studies. In addition to her coursework on leadership and management skills, she became involved with emergency services after volunteering with both Red Lodge Fire Department and Hyalite Fire Department near Bozeman.
Kuntz said living in the fire station with other volunteer firefighters who are also MSU students created strong bonds: “It was just super fun. You’re responding to emergencies and working in high stakes situations with the people you live with,” she said. “Living with the people you work with, you really build that trust and camaraderie with each other.”
Her dedication led to a position as shift captain/paramedic at Hyalite Fire Department while still completing her undergraduate degree—a role she plans to continue after graduation. She also served as a Jabs Ambassador for two years where she helped plan events and mentor younger students.
Kuntz emphasized that leadership is essential both in business and emergency services: “The most successful businesses in our community have good leadership that retains their people, and that’s the same with the fire department. No one can go and put out a fire by themselves,” she said.
Toby Blake, director of MSU’s Bracken Center who worked closely with Kuntz, praised her impact: “Allie is a very rare student leader who makes everyone around her braver and calmer at the same time… She has brought tremendous value to Montana State by showing what it looks like when business and public service genuinely reinforce each other.”
Montana State University operates as Montana’s land-grant university focusing on research, education, outreach efforts addressing key challenges facing communities—locally through volunteerism or globally through top-ranked research initiatives—according to its official website.