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Seth Bodnar
American university president From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Seth Bodnar (born February 2, 1979) is an American academic administrator, veteran, and business executive who is the 19th president of the University of Montana.[1] He is a graduate of West Point and was a Rhodes Scholar with master's degrees from the University of Oxford.[2] He remains an active military officer in the Montana National Guard.
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Early life and education
Seth Bodnar was raised in Franklin, Pennsylvania, the son of two educators. He graduated first in his class from the United States Military Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Following his time at West Point, Bodnar was selected as a Rhodes Scholar and a Truman Scholar, allowing him to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford, where he earned two master's degrees—one in Economics and Social History and another in Comparative Social Policy.[3]
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Career
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Military service
Bodnar served in the 101st Airborne Division and as a Green Beret in the US Army’s 1st Special Forces Group. He commanded a Special Forces detachment on multiple deployments and served as Special Assistant to the Commanding General in Iraq.[4] He was commissioned in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer and served as a rifle platoon leader in the 101st Airborne Division, with service in Iraq in 2003-4. After being selected for the U.S. Army Special Forces Qualification Course, Bodnar served in the 1st Special Forces Group, commanding a detachment of Green Berets during multiple overseas deployments. In 2008, Bodnar was again deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, where he served as special assistant to the commanding general.[4]
Following his deployments, Bodnar returned to West Point, where he served as an assistant professor, taught economics, mentored cadets, and published research on economic development in conflict areas.[5] Bodnar continues to serve his country as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Montana National Guard.[6]
General Electric
In 2011, Bodnar joined General Electric (GE), eventually becoming a senior executive in GE’s transportation division.[7]
As GE Transportation’s first-ever chief digital officer, Bodnar led the integration of multiple, disparate units from across the company into a streamlined business providing a connected suite of software solutions for the global rail industry.[8] Under his leadership, GE Transportation’s Digital Solutions business achieved significant growth, expanded internationally, and developed new product offerings to serve the broader transportation and logistics sector. Bodnar was a frequent speaker at conferences globally.[9]
University of Montana
Seth Bodnar assumed the role of President of the University of Montana in January 2018. Under his leadership, the University of Montana achieved the Carnegie very high research (R1) classification in 2022, saw a 45.5% increase in Native American student enrollment between 2018-2024, increased 4-year graduation rates by one-third, completed the largest fundraising campaign in campus history, and established itself as one of the fastest growing flagship universities in the American West.[10]
Under the banner of Inclusive Prosperity, the University of Montana has launched initiatives to support student retention, career readiness, and community engagement.[11] He has also emphasized the importance of responsibly integrating technology, including artificial intelligence, into education to better prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving job market.[12]
By 2024, President Bodnar had led transformational changes at the University of Montana, including enrollment growth, an elevated academic reputation, enhanced student success, and improved fiscal management.[13]
Bodnar has written and spoken widely on the role of higher education in both sustaining a healthy democracy and supporting US national security and global competitiveness.[14]
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Personal life
Bodnar is married to Dr. Chelsea Bodnar, a pediatrician. The couple has three children and resides in Missoula, Montana.[15]
Other roles
Bodnar serves on the board of directors of the Missoula Economic Partnership.[16]
References
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