Montana State University announced on April 20 that a record 17 students have completed their year-long service as part of the Boardroom Bobcats program, which connects students with nonprofit organizations in the Gallatin Valley. The program, run by the MSU Leadership Institute since 2016, pairs undergraduate and graduate students with local nonprofits where they serve as non-voting board members for an academic year.
The initiative is designed to give students hands-on experience in community leadership while providing nonprofits with fresh perspectives. This expansion from a historical cap of ten participants was made possible by increased resources and interest, according to university organizers. Sienna George, director of the MSU Leadership Institute, said, “Boardroom Bobcats creates an opportunity for students to move beyond the classroom and into the community. What makes the program so meaningful is that it’s truly reciprocal by design. Students gain confidence, mentorship and hands-on experience, while our nonprofit partners gain a fresh perspective from the students they welcome to their boards.”
This year’s cohort represented diverse academic backgrounds including microbiology, engineering, economics and business finance. Each student was matched with a different nonprofit organization such as Bridgercare, Gallatin Watershed Council or Bozeman Film Society. The group also participated in monthly skill-building sessions hosted by both the MSU Leadership Institute and Office of Student Engagement.
Montana State University enrolls about 17,165 students who are evenly split between residents and nonresidents according to its official website. As Montana’s land-grant university focused on research, education and outreach efforts according to its official website, MSU leads in research funding statewide with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website.
The university is recognized among the top five percent of global universities per rankings from the Center for World University Rankings as reported by its official website. Through programs like Boardroom Bobcats—and broader volunteer efforts—MSU contributes to communities across Montana through outreach aimed at improving lives and addressing environmental challenges according to its official website.
Organizers hope that future years will see similar participation levels in Boardroom Bobcats as more resources become available.