Working at UGF, your next career step!

📍 Overview of Jobs at University of Great Falls

The University of Great Falls (UGF), located in Great Falls, Montana, was a private Catholic liberal arts institution known for its commitment to holistic education. Jobs at University of Great Falls encompassed faculty, administrative, and support roles that supported its mission of forming compassionate leaders. Note that UGF officially closed in July 2020 after nearly 90 years of operation due to enrollment declines and financial pressures common in small private colleges. This page provides a historical perspective on what jobs at University of Great Falls entailed, qualifications needed, and insights valuable for similar positions in Montana higher education. Whether you're exploring university jobs elsewhere or understanding regional academic careers, this guide offers detailed context.

Historically, UGF employed around 100 faculty and staff serving about 1,000 students. Roles focused on undergraduate programs in education, business, criminal justice, English, health sciences, and natural sciences, plus graduate offerings like the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Master of Education. Faculty jobs emphasized teaching in small classes, student mentoring, and community engagement over extensive research. Administrative positions handled student services, admissions, and advancement in a faith-based environment.

🏛️ A Brief History of University of Great Falls and Its Employment Landscape

Founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Providence as Mount St. Scholastica College, UGF became the University of Great Falls in 1955. Situated on 55 acres along the Missouri River in Great Falls, Montana (United States), it grew into a respected regional university emphasizing Catholic values, liberal arts, and professional preparation. By the 2010s, it offered 25+ majors and several master's programs, attracting students from Montana and beyond.

Jobs at University of Great Falls reflected its evolution. Early roles were dominated by religious sisters in teaching and administration. As it secularized somewhat while retaining Catholic identity, positions diversified to include lay faculty with expertise in teacher preparation—a key strength, producing many Montana educators. The 2000s saw growth in health and business programs, creating specialized jobs like nursing instructors amid Montana's healthcare needs. Enrollment peaked at 1,200 in the early 2010s but fell to under 600 by 2020, leading to staff reductions and eventual closure. Assets transferred to the University of Providence (formerly University of Great Falls rebranded briefly post-merger attempt, but ultimately closed).

This history underscores resilience; many former UGF employees now contribute to higher ed jobs at institutions like Montana State University or the University of Montana, bringing experience in small-campus dynamics.

💼 Types of Positions at University of Great Falls

Jobs at University of Great Falls varied by department but centered on education (largest program), business, and health. Faculty roles included:

• Tenure-track professors in elementary or secondary education, requiring passion for Montana K-12 preparation.
• Adjunct instructors for part-time teaching in criminal justice or English.
• Clinical nursing faculty for the MSN program, blending classroom and hands-on training.

Administrative jobs covered admissions counselors, student success advisors, and development officers, often needing experience in enrollment management for rural student recruitment. Support roles like IT specialists or facilities staff ensured smooth campus operations. For a full breakdown of university job types, visit our dedicated resource. These positions typically offered competitive salaries for Montana—around $50,000-$70,000 for assistant professors—with benefits including health insurance and tuition remission.

📋 Definitions

To understand jobs at University of Great Falls fully, key terms include:

• Tenure-track position: A full-time faculty role with a probationary period (usually 5-7 years) leading to tenure, granting job security and academic freedom after rigorous review of teaching, research, and service.
• Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, often without benefits, common for flexible scheduling in small universities like UGF.
• Liberal arts education: A broad-based curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, ethics, and interdisciplinary skills, central to UGF's Catholic framework.
• Student-faculty ratio: At UGF, around 13:1, meaning personalized mentoring integral to faculty jobs.

🎯 Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, Skills, and Competencies

For faculty jobs at University of Great Falls, a master's degree was the minimum for instructors, but PhDs or terminal degrees (e.g., EdD for education) were required for tenure-track roles in competitive hires. Research focus aligned with practical, community-oriented scholarship—e.g., studies on rural education challenges in Montana or ethical business practices—rather than high-impact publications. Preferred experience included 3+ years of college teaching, publications in regional journals, and grant-writing for small federal or state funds.

Key skills and competencies:

• Excellent pedagogical skills, including active learning techniques for diverse classrooms.
• Interpersonal competencies for advising at-risk students, common in regional universities.
• Tech proficiency (e.g., learning management systems like Canvas).
• Cultural competency to serve Native American and veteran students prevalent in Montana.

Admin roles favored bachelor's degrees with 5+ years in higher ed, emphasizing data-driven recruitment. See how to craft a winning academic CV for tailoring these.

📄 Application Process and Tips

Historically, applying for jobs at University of Great Falls started with monitoring the careers page or higher ed jobs boards. Submit a tailored cover letter (1 page), CV/resume, teaching philosophy statement, and 3 references via email or portal. Interviews involved teaching demos and mission-fit discussions.

Actionable tips:

• Highlight Catholic alignment or service experience.
• Quantify impacts (e.g., "Improved student retention by 15% via mentoring").
• Network at Montana higher ed conferences.
• Prepare for virtual interviews post-2010s shift.
• Follow up politely within a week.

For research assistant-like roles, emphasize lab or field experience; explore research assistant tips adaptable here.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

UGF integrated diversity into its Catholic mission via the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, hosting events like Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations and supporting Hispanic and Native American student groups. Hiring prioritized underrepresented candidates in STEM and education, with training on inclusive pedagogy. Examples include partnerships with Blackfeet Community College for tribal faculty exchanges and women-in-leadership programs. This fostered a welcoming environment reflective of Great Falls' diverse population.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

At UGF, work-life balance benefited from a small-campus culture: flexible hours for faculty, summer breaks, and sabbaticals post-tenure. Campus life featured riverside views, walking trails, and events like Argo Days (annual fun run) or faith-based retreats. Great Falls offered outdoor perks—hiking Giant Springs State Park, skiing Showdown Montana—ideal for recharging. Staff praised collaborative atmosphere, low bureaucracy, and community ties, though closure highlighted funding vulnerabilities in rural higher ed.

📊 Summary: Navigating Academic Careers Post-UGF

While jobs at University of Great Falls ended with closure, lessons endure for higher ed jobs in Montana. Explore higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. Transitioning professionals found success nearby, emphasizing adaptability in evolving landscapes.