In this special feature story, Director of Student Services Shonna Trowbridge shares insights about the vital resources and advising assistance she and her team provide at the Student Success Center at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. Learn how a new, dedicated student success center will have an extraordinary impact on students’ lives.
We live in a land of treasures. Where endless skies meet rugged mountains and vibrant landscapes give rise to diverse ecosystems and essential resources. As Montanans, we are stewards of this land — a responsibility and a privilege that connects us all. A commitment we take pride in honoring and joy in fulfilling.
From our home in Missoula, the University of Montana's W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation is a frontrunner in shaping the world of tomorrow.
But what can a college building do? It can be a meeting place where ideas turn into tangible actions that extend beyond walls, beyond campus, and beyond Montana. A beating heart for the student beginning their studies, the researcher finding new ways to meet conservation goals, and the community seeking ways to do the same. A common ground for all those who treasure Montana.
One created from its surrounding environment. Elements of nature and technology forged together to serve as a home to people dedicated to protecting our future.
In keeping with Montana’s proud timber heritage, the new facility designed by A&E Architects will incorporate innovative sustainable wood building products. The wood and glass structure will be LEED-certified and designed for efficiency with Missoula’s climate in mind.
The existing iconic Forestry Building will remain in use to complement the new structure.
The building will showcase state-of-the-art facilities and highlight impactful research projects that are key to the building’s role in academic and technological advancement.
This space will not only support enhanced learning experiences but also contribute to the development of crucial skills for students, advance the research goals of faculty and yield the most prepared graduates.
Prioritizing educational and community engagement and events within the building underscores our commitment to fostering a strong bond with the local and global community. This emphasis serves as a bridge between academia and society, promoting knowledge exchange, cultural enrichment and positive societal impact.
The building itself will be an educational tool, providing students and the community with firsthand exposure to sustainable design principles and environmentally conscious construction practices.
"For us students, an investment in this space is an investment in our education, as well as an improvement through more sustainable infrastructure.”
- Beatrix Frissell, UM Franke College and Davidson Honors College student, Truman Scholar
To learn more and to support the Franke College, contact Melinda Booth, senior director of development for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation and the Wildlife Biology Program, at melinda.booth@supportum.org or 406-243-2593. You may also visit our Contact page to submit a message.
To learn about the University of Montana Foundation, visit www.SupportUM.org.
The University of Montana acknowledges that we are in the aboriginal territories of the Salish and Kalispel people. Today, we honor the path they have always shown us in caring for this place for the generations to come.
© 2026 Treasure Montana
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