125th Anniversary at Montana State University

Montana State University has been celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding this year.  Earlier in October there was a book signing for Democracy by Degrees: The 125th Anniversary History of Montana State University, written by history professor Robert Rydell.  You can purchase the book by following a link to the university bookstore. 

Rydell, earlier collaborated in 1993 on In the People’s Interest: A Centennial History of Montana State University, with colleagues and fellow historians Jeffrey Safford and Pierce Mullen.

  

The Agricultural College of the State of Montana at Bozeman was founded in 1893. The name changed to College of Agricultural and Mechanical Arts in 1913, to Montana State College in 1935, and, to Montana State University in 1965.

You can access the Montana State University archives for more resources that include historical photographs like this 1912 image of Montana Hall.

New Name Chosen by Montana Tech

Ted McDermott reports for the Montana Standard on May 7, 2018 that "Montana Tech selects a new name."  The institution now known as Montana Tech of the University of Montana will become Montana Technological University.

The institution was founded in 1900 as the Montana State School of Mines.  The name changed to Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology in 1965.  It later affiliated with the University of Montana in 1994 to become Montana Tech of the University of Montana.

Flathead Valley Community College begins Celebration of 50th Anniversary

Flathead Valley Community College with campuses in Kalispell and Libby, Montana is beginning a celebration of the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1967.  You can download an excellent Commemorative History publication from the 50th anniversary page that includes a timeline of key events and many wonderful historical photographs.

KPAX-TV for Missoula and Kalispell offers a short video segment with the 50th anniversary kick-off and comments by KVCC president Jane Karas.

Summit University of Pennsylvania plans to become Clarks Summit University

Summit University in Clarks Summit, PA will be altering its name to become Clarks Summit University.  The need for the change arose after a suit was filed by Summit University in Montana alleging trademark infringement.  The suit arose when Baptist Bible College & Seminary changed its name to Summit University of Pennsylvania in early 2015.

Helena Business College 1884 Catalog

An 1884 catalog of the Helena Business College and English Training School is available through the Montana Memory project of the Montana Historical Society.  The institution was founded in 1883.  The catalog includes information on the programs offered and fees.  There is also a list of students from the initial year of operation.

Images of "Lost" Colleges in Montana...

The Billings Gazette posted historical images and brief sketches  in February 2015 for several higher education institutions in Montana.  Most of the institutions that are featured still exit, though their early names may be "lost" as a result of mergers, consolidations, and name changes.

Montana Colleges that have Closed, Merged, or Changed Names

This table below includes institutions that have closed, merged, or changed their names.  If you note a need for changing or updating information, please notify ray01brown@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

An index with links to separate pages for other states and countries is available.

There is a College History Garden Facebook group or you can view and follow multiple College History Garden boards on Pinterest or there is a board specifically devoted to Montana colleges.

Thanks for your interest and suggestions!