The position brings together responsibilities that connect institutional strategic planning, data, and communication. Working closely with campus leadership, faculty, and staff, the Chief of Staff and Director of Communications will help coordinate university priorities and support informed decision-making. Once established, the Staff Senate will bring forward ideas and feedback through strengthened communication with university leadership.
“This role brings together several areas that are essential to supporting our students, faculty, and staff and moving Montana Western forward,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Dr. Estee Aiken. “We’re pleased to welcome Matt to this combined position and look forward to the collaboration it will encourage across campus. Establishing a formalized Staff Senate will create a new communication conduit that is currently missing from our shared governance structure.”
Raffety has served as Montana Western’s Director of Communications since 2018.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Montana Western in this combined role and to work alongside colleagues who care so deeply about our students and this university,” said Raffety. “I’m especially excited to help create a Staff Senate that reflects the experience and ideas of employees across campus. There is so much we can accomplish when people are heard, informed, and connected to our shared goals.”
