What if MSU could offer more productive partnerships with nonprofits which meet the greatest needs in our community, while further engaging students in learning and engagement through service?  That's exactly the question that Leadership Institute director, Carmen McSpadden, asked when devising this program. Boardroom Bobcats, which places upper level undergraduate and graduate students on nonprofit boards to serve as non-voting members for the academic year, launched in August 2016.

The mission of Boardroom Bobcats is to develop students to become catalysts for change who seek life-long commitments to community involvement and board service, creating value and lasting impact for nonprofit organizations and the greater community.  As a reciprocal partnership, nonprofits gain insights and a fresh perspective from MSU students while training future board leaders.  Students gain practical boardroom experience, familiarity with the nonprofit sector, mentee opportunities and lifelong leadership skills.

The program consists of regular attendance of students at board meetings and complementary leadership trainings in nonprofit board work coordinated by the Leadership Institute.

For the 2020-2021 academic year, the following MSU students were paired with the boards of the nonprofits listed next to their names:

Sarah Montalbano - Bozeman Schools Foundation

Sheridan Johnson - Heart of the Valley

Sarah Kiser - Warriors & Quiet Waters

Bri Daniels - Sacajawea Audubon Society

Morgan Craig - Bozeman Film Society

Kate Riggers - Big Brother Big Sisters of Big Sky Country

Amelia McGrath - Gallatin Valley Farm to School

Preston Holmgren - Montana Aquatic Resource Services