UM-Western dean takes provost job

Montana State University-Northern has a new second-in-command through June 30.

The university announced that Cheri Jimeno, dean of education, business and technology at University of Montana-Western in Dillon, has accepted the interim provost position at Northern, effective Oct. 3.

"I look on this as a great opportunity," Jimeno said this morning. "I think Northern is really doing some great things."

Roger Barber, former provost and senior vice chancellor at Northern, took over as interim deputy commissioner of academic and student affairs in the state Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education Sept. 8. His term runs through June 30, and Barber has said he was unsure whether he would apply for the job permanently.

He was at Northern for 23 years.

Jimeno said she has no expectations about her new position becoming permanent and is taking the interim post to give Barber time to decide what he wants to do.

"I know I have some big shoes to fill with Roger being gone," she said. "Realistically the position is Roger's position. He has to decide what he's going to do.

"During my time in Havre I'll be devoting all of my time and effort to Havre's university," she added.

Jimeno is taking a leave of absence from her job at Western and can return to it after June 30, she said.

The provost at Northern oversees most of the academic affairs at the university, including academic programs and graduation requirements, said Jim Potter, director of university relations.

Chancellor Alex Capdeville, who wasn't available for comment this morning, interviewed four candidates, Potter said. Two were from Northern and two were from off campus. The interviews were held Tuesday through Thursday last week.

Jimeno, originally from Corvallis, earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1972 from the University of Montana in Missoula, a master's in business education in 1985 from Montana State University in Bozeman, and a doctorate in education and business information systems in 2000 from Utah State University in Logan.

She chaired the business and technology departments during her 18 years at Western, as well as serving as faculty athletic representative, Title IX coordinator and assistant associate professor of business.

Jimeno has made presentations about cultural diversity at state and national conferences.