MISSOULA – Missoula College has announced the hiring of a new dean with Dr. Thomas Gallagher set to begin his duties on Monday, May 13.
Gallagher holds a master’s degree and a doctorate of education in educational leadership from UM, in addition to a Master of Science in computer science from Western Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Carroll College.
As a Missoula College faculty member since 2001, Gallagher has served as associate dean, director of the Information Technology degree program, director of the Missoula College Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense, president of the Missoula College Faculty Association and chair of the Department of Applied Computing and Engineering Technology.
“The focus at Missoula College has always been serving students and the local community,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the energetic team of faculty and staff in place. We are well-poised to further the comprehensive mission assigned to two-year colleges in serving our community.”
Gallagher’s professional experiences and research interests examine transfer education, dual enrollment and work-based learning. His dissertation, “Baccalaureate Time-to-Degree for Montana University Two-Year College Transfer Students,” provided an early analysis of Montana University System policy and practice on baccalaureate degree completion for two-year college students.
“I am confident that Dr. Gallagher’s years of experience and service to Missoula College and the University of Montana will help stabilize and begin realizing the college’s tremendous potential,” said UM Provost Jon Harbor. “Missoula College has an extraordinary opportunity to develop innovative academic programming and create community partnerships to support Missoula’s growth.”
