Montana State University announced on April 29 that professor Christine Foreman has been appointed as the interim dean of the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering.
Foreman, who has served on the Montana State faculty for over two decades, is a Distinguished Professor in chemical and biological engineering. She has also spent the past 13 years as associate dean of student success within the college. Foreman will take over from Brett Gunnink, who is retiring this summer after serving as engineering dean for 14 years. Her new role begins June 1.
Robert Mokwa, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said, “Dr. Foreman brings deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership and a steadfast commitment to students, faculty and staff. She is a thoughtful, collaborative leader whose integrity and experience make her exceptionally well suited to guide the college during this important time.”
As associate dean for student success, Foreman worked with faculty and staff to improve retention rates and graduation outcomes by streamlining curriculums and developing college-wide strategies. She focused on increasing participation among women in engineering and computing fields while supporting faculty excellence. In addition to her administrative work, Foreman is known internationally for her research into microorganisms living in extreme icy environments; her projects have received funding from organizations such as the National Science Foundation and NASA. Earlier this year she received one of Montana State’s highest honors: the Provost’s Award for Research and Graduate Student Mentoring.
“I am grateful for the trust placed in me and honored to serve the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering in this role,” Foreman said. “This college is built on the dedication of its faculty, staff and students, and I am committed to working collaboratively to support their success and to move the college forward.”
The Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering enrolls more than 3,300 students across undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering-related disciplines at Montana State University (MSU). MSU leads research funding efforts within Montana with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university contributes through volunteer work, outreach initiatives aimed at improving lives statewide according to its official website, operates as Montana’s land-grant institution addressing key challenges through education according to its official website, ranks among top global universities per independent rankings according to its official website, enrolls approximately 17,165 students evenly split between residents and nonresidents according to its official website,and extends influence beyond state borders through research-driven service according to its official website.