Montana State University will host a free public panel discussion featuring former Montana Senator Jon Tester and former Governor Marc Racicot on April 10. The event, titled “Public Things: Money, Transparent Elections and the Montana Experience,” is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Gaines Hall 101, according to an April 6 announcement.
The panel aims to address issues related to trust in public institutions, focusing on topics such as transparent elections and civic engagement. Organizers say the event provides an opportunity for community members to hear from notable figures about policy discussions that impact Montanans.
Panelists include Tester, Racicot, Jeff Mangan—founder of the Transparent Election Initiative—and Michael Beckel, director of a proposed state ballot initiative called Issue One. Sara Rushing from MSU’s Department of Political Science will moderate the discussion. The university said attendees can participate in person or via a free livestream by RSVPing through a provided link.
This session marks the final installment of MSU’s “Public Things” speaker series for the spring semester. According to organizers, the series explores how public places and services such as elections, parks, schools, and wildlife are connected with democracy and everyday life.
Montana State University leads research funding in Montana with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university enrolls approximately 17,165 students split evenly between residents and nonresidents according to its official website. It ranks among the top five percent of global universities per the Center for World University Rankings according to its official website.
MSU operates as Montana’s land-grant institution focused on research, education and community outreach addressing key challenges according to its official website. Its influence extends beyond campus through volunteer efforts aimed at enhancing lives and protecting the environment according to its official website.