UM lands new provost, VP of academic affairs, in former Purdue educator

The University of Montana on Monday named Jon Harbor as its new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

Harbor currently serves as associate vice provost for teaching and learning, and as executive director of digital education at Purdue University, where he teaches in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences.

“Recruiting our new executive vice president and provost was a top priority, and we initiated the national search even before I officially arrived on campus,” said UM President Seth Bodnar. “Dr. Harbor’s leadership and experience are going to be vital as we continue to shape and strengthen every element that composes a UM education.”

Harbor will begin his full-time duties at UM on Aug. 1.

His past leadership roles include serving as an associate vice president for research and dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He also founded and served as interim director of Purdue’s Global Sustainability Institute, and as founding co-director of the Learning Research Center.

“I’m honored to join the University of Montana, particularly at this pivotal moment in the institution’s history,” Harbor said. “Higher education has never been more relevant or essential than it is today.”

Harbor will visit campus during the coming months of transition and will engage with the University Planning Committee. He will also assist with the reorganization of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, announced by UM last month.

“UM excels in learning opportunities and research that are well-matched to the needs of students, the demands for educated citizens and a talented workforce, and the needs of Montana, the nation and the world,” Harbor said. “My wife, Amy, and I look forward to making our home in Missoula.”