MSUB_NextIsNow_Booklet_no cover

The MSUB

Advantage Nestled below the rimrocks overlooking Montana’s largest city, MSUB is widely recognized for high-quality academic programs that include certificate, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The University is noted for its student-focused approach to creating a supportive learning environment that cultivates student success.

MSUB offers over 100 academic programs across five colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Health Professions and Science, and City College (a two-year college and hub of workforce development). Students enjoy a traditional college experience within a closeknit community with faculty who know them by name and provide tailored resources to help them achieve their goals.

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FROM THE CHANCELLOR

As Chancellor of Montana State University Billings, I am grateful to be among a team of dedicated faculty and staff who tirelessly work together for the success of our students.

It is our privilege to guide them on their educational journey.

Whether we welcome them as freshmen just out of high school or as professionals embarking on a new career, we witness the greatness they can achieve. Completing their degree not only transforms our students’ lives, but it also enacts generational change. The impact on our students, their families, and our community is profound.

Each day, I am inspired by the dreams MSUB students work to achieve, sometimes at great personal sacrifice and cost.

Scholarship contributions and state-of-the-art facilities help students achieve their educational goals while inspiring them to dream even bigger.

At MSUB, our greatest strength is helping students achieve their dreams. That kind of impact is made attainable by the generosity of those who invest in their future.

Next is Now is the future we envision that starts with the actions we take today. This campaign is not just about supporting a cause; it is about accelerating progress and making a tangible impact right now. The next breakthrough, the next opportunity, or the next generation’s wellbeing depends on our immediate support and commitment.

Every donation brings us closer to realizing these goals, transforming the potential of tomorrow into the reality of today. Now is the time to act because the next step forward cannot wait.

Stefani Hicswa, PhD Chancellor

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When you invest in MSUB, you shape the future and turn dreams into reality.

Chancellor Stefani Hicswa, PhD

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FROM ENROLLMENT TO IMPACT:

THE MSUB JOURNEY

How MSUB students become the future of Montana and beyond.

It starts with a student…

2 SUPPORT

1 enroll

4,145

Families trust MSUB to educate their students close to home. Our students represent a powerful pipeline of local talent.

students are enrolled at MSU Billings.

(Fall 2025)

90%

are from Montana.

Scholarships reduce debt and help students persist through challenges— especially for first-generation and low-income students.

53%

of tuition, housing and meal costs for students with financial need go unmet—that is

$8,704 per student.

Instructors know students

3 educate

Students benefit from small classes and personalized attention.

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by name and offer

tailored support.

4 GRADUATES ARE CAREER READY 99%

Scholarship recipients are more likely to complete their degrees and enter the workforce job-ready.

of MSUB graduates are employed.

ECONOMIC impact 5 1 in 2 MSUB graduates work in Yellowstone County.

MSUB contributes

$570 million

annually in economic impact in our region.

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NEXT IS NOW: $27 MILLION TO PO Montana State University Billings is where potential turns into purpose.

Here, students discover who they are, what they value, and how they will lead in a changing world. Whether they are the first in their family to pursue higher education or transferring to begin a new chapter, MSUB meets every student where they are and equips them with the knowledge, confidence, and support to go further than they ever imagined.

Next is Now is more than a campaign. It is a promise: to open doors, expand opportunity, and empower students with the resources, experiences, and spaces they need to thrive, not only in the classroom, but in life.

This campaign is about access and excellence, cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. It is about creating learning environments that reflect the caliber of our faculty and the drive of our students. It is about honoring the grit and potential of Montanans and ensuring that promise is met with opportunity.

This campaign is not simply about raising $27 million for three strategic priorities.

You are investing in transformation.

You are investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and citizens.

You are investing in what comes next—in the future of Billings, Montana, and beyond.

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OWER THE FUTURE OF MSUB Scholarships $13 Million Open doors. Remove barriers.

Scholarships are vital to MSUB’s mission—expanding access to higher education and expanding possibilities for students to pursue their dreams. For many, scholarships are the difference between continuing college or putting goals on hold.

At MSUB, scholarships are a lifeline for students balancing school, work, and family. They reduce financial strain, support persistence through challenges, and ensure more graduates cross the stage—ready to lead in Montana and beyond. Investing in scholarships means investing in persistence, graduation, and the transformative power of education.

Sculpture & Ceramic Studio $11 Million Create space. Spark discovery.

Art plays an integral role in a liberal arts education—cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving across all majors. A new facility will feature modern workshops that spark exploration, encourage bold expression, and expand creative opportunity.

The future Sculpture & Ceramic Studio will be a beacon of possibility, offering vibrant spaces that inspire expression and empower students to share bold ideas. It will elevate the student experience and strengthen MSUB’s role as a hub for creativity, innovation, and community connection—where passion takes shape and students discover the power of their own voice through art. Investing in the Sculpture & Ceramic Studio means investing in creativity, innovation, and a cultural resource for Billings and beyond.

Program Excellence $3 Million Support impact. Fuel momentum.

Strategic investments in MSUB’s most vital programs ensure our graduates are prepared to lead in Montana and beyond. From high-demand academic programs and modern labs to student leadership and career readiness, gifts to program support make an immediate and lasting difference.

Whether it’s business, healthcare, education, athletics, or another key area, your support enriches the student experience and expands what’s possible. This is the heart of Yellowjacket Nation—a place where opportunity meets momentum, and where strengthened programs mean a stronger future for all. Investing in program excellence means investing in opportunity, momentum, and the future strength of Yellowjacket Nation.

Together, we can power the future of MSUB.

What comes NEXT begins with what we do NOW.

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SCHOLARSHIPS $13 MILLION Yellowjacket Excellence Scholarship - YES! Recognize promise. Reward achievement.

Awarded to students for their high school achievement, the Yellowjacket Excellence Scholarship (YES) rewards academic promise and encourages students to continue striving for success at MSUB. When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to go to college. What I didn’t know was whether I could afford it. Today, I am living proof of what scholarships make possible. Receiving the Yellowjacket Excellence Scholarship was more than financial support—it gave me the freedom to embrace my education without the constant weight of financial stress.

Halle LeLand, MSUB Student, Class of 2028

Finish Line Scholarship Overcome barriers. Finish strong.

The Finish Line Scholarship honors determination and helps students overcome financial barriers on their path to graduation. It is designed for those who may have exhausted financial aid or simply need a final push to cross the finish line.

The Finish Line Scholarship came at just the moment I needed it. When I felt like I was running out of steam, it gave me the boost to finish strong. Instead of worrying about tuition, I could focus on my classes. Finishing college is tough, and this scholarship helped me cross the line.

Jazzy Kalehuawehe, MSUB Student, Class of 2026

Athletic Scholarships Compete & excel. Lead beyond.

Athletic scholarships alleviate financial burdens for student-athletes, empowering them to excel both academically and athletically. MSUB is one of only three NCAA universities in Montana— and the state’s only NCAA Division II institution—providing opportunities to compete at a high level while pursuing a degree.

Playing soccer at MSUB is an experience I’ll always cherish. The people I met and the challenges I faced as a student-athlete taught me discipline, leadership, hard work, and resilience—traits that directly translate to excelling in the workplace. Thanks to numerous athletic and academic scholarships, I was able to earn both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Today, I carry those lessons from the field and the classroom into my everyday work as a Communications Manager for the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.

Rachel Lythgoe, ’19, ’21 | Communications Manager, Phoenix Suns If you have an existing scholarship endowment and would like to contribute additional support to it as part of this campaign, we welcome your continued investment.

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PROGRAM EXCELLENCE

$3 MILLION

Support impact. Fuel momentum.

Program Excellence prepares MSUB students to lead in Montana and beyond. It strengthens high-demand programs, provides hands-on learning, and expands leadership and career readiness.

In healthcare, students gain training and clinical experiences that prepare them to serve communities with skill and compassion. In business, they take on real-world projects, connect with employers, and build the confidence to lead in a changing global economy. In athletics, teams receive the resources to succeed in competition, developing discipline and resilience that last a lifetime.

College Excellence Funds and endowed faculty sustain program quality, foster innovation, and ensure students and faculty have the resources they need to thrive. Program Excellence also advances MSUB initiatives and priorities—allowing you to invest where it matters most while aligning with the university’s vision for the future.

Program Excellence fuels opportunity, momentum, and the future strength of Yellowjacket Nation.

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SCULPTURE & CERAMIC STUDIO

$11 MILLION

Create space. Spark discovery.

The arts at MSUB help students think differently, challenge assumptions, and find their voice. The new Sculpture & Ceramic Studio will expand opportunities for exploration and collaboration, giving students the space to experiment, take risks, and build confidence through hands-on learning. It will foster the kind of curiosity and resilience that extend far beyond the classroom, preparing students to bring creativity and problem-solving into every career and community they touch.

Wood & Metal Workshop

This facility will not only elevate the student experience but also add to the vitality of Billings’ arts and culture—drawing people together through creativity, innovation, and cultural engagement.

The Sculpture & Ceramic Studio will shape students who carry imagination and resilience into every field they pursue.

Gallery

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Existing Ceramic Workshop

Ceramic Workshop

Existing Wood & Metal Workshop

Open Air Workshop Existing Outdoor Workshop

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JOIN US—

BECAUSE OUR NEXT IS NOW MSUB graduates are shaping stronger communities around the world. They are driving positive change in business, education, healthcare, and countless other fields. By supporting MSUB, you are investing in today’s students, a stronger workforce, healthier communities, and creating a brighter future wherever our graduates go.

We see firsthand how MSUB graduates blend academic excellence with a real passion for our community. Their innovative thinking and strong work ethic not only drive us forward but also uplifts the community as a whole. Investing in MSUB students means investing in a brighter future for our local workforce and community.

Brian Brown, First Interstate Bank Market President As an employer of many educators and professionals who graduated from MSU Billings, I see firsthand the impact of their preparation and dedication. They bring a strong sense of purpose, adaptability, and a commitment to student achievement that aligns directly with our mission in Billings Public Schools.

Dr. Erwin Garcia, Superintendent, Billings Public Schools MSUB graduates are an essential part of our team, bringing not only strong professional skills but also a deep commitment to service. Investing in MSUB is truly an investment in the future of healthcare.

Lee Boyles, President, Intermountain Health Montana/ Wyoming Market and St. Vincent Regional Hospital

Be part of what’s next. Give today.

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