Dr. Aiken is no stranger to UMW, having advanced through various roles at the institution over the past 15 years. She joined the faculty at the university in 2011, earning the rank of tenured professor of Education. She then moved into the position of Dean of Strategic Initiatives, overseeing university accreditation, strategic planning, workforce efforts, and dual enrollment. Dr. Aiken is currently UMW’s Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, where she works to advance UMW’s academic mission.
Dr. Aiken’s accomplished career includes K-12 teaching and training positions, K-12 and postsecondary administrative positions, and leadership roles on dozens of local, state, and national boards and task forces, including the Dillon School District Board of Trustees. Dr. Aiken’s scholarship has focused on gifted and talented education, early childhood education, and high-leverage practices in teacher preparation. Her distinguished career highlights include recognition as a Montana University System Teacher Scholar, directing and contributing to impactful grant-funded projects, and editing and co-authoring a comprehensive array of professional publications.
“Dr. Aiken’s broad and extensive experience as a teacher, administrator, and researcher as well as her demonstrated dedication to education at all levels, including teacher preparation, makes her an ideal fit to lead UM Western,” said Commissioner Christian. “Her stewardship will ensure that UMW sustains and grows its reputation as a high-quality university offering innovative programming and a unique student experience within the Montana University System.”
Founded in 1893 as the Montana State Normal School with a singular purpose of training educators, UMW has evolved into a dynamic institution that honors its original mission while expanding its academic landscape to include degree programs in STEM fields, equine studies, health and human performance, fine arts, psychology and more. Its immersive Experience One block scheduling model is the only one of its kind at a public institution in the country and is a proven asset to student recruitment, retention, and success.
“It is my honor and privilege be the next Chancellor for UMW. I value the experiences and relationships that have led me to this opportunity, and I look forward to what lies ahead,” said Dr. Aiken. “I’m fortunate to have called UM Western and Dillon my home for 15 years now, and I am thrilled at the possibilities as Chancellor to invest further in this community, in this university, and especially in the students who are at its heart.”
Dr. Aiken holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Macalester College, a Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary School from Colorado College, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Studies from the University of Colorado.
