Montana State University Executive and Leadership Team

Marilynn Miller, the Chief Executive Officer at Montana State University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Miller oversees the alignment of academic programs with the mission of the School of Architecture, ensuring that design curricula address modern environmental complexities. By coordinating with department heads, the Chief Executive Officer facilitates cross-disciplinary collaboration that enhances the human experience through built environments. This leadership role involves managing institutional resources to support student exploration and creative growth. Marilynn Miller drives initiatives that connect architectural education with community improvement goals across the region. Through consistent engagement with faculty and stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards for research and professional preparation. Ultimately, Miller secures the long-term viability of academic programs while promoting a culture of innovation that prepares graduates for success in the competitive field of architecture.

Dana Heiken, the Chief Executive Officer, Heiken Enterprises at Montana State University, manages external partnerships that support the university's architectural and design initiatives. Heiken oversees the collaboration between the institution and private sector entities to enhance student mentorship and professional development opportunities. By leveraging industry connections, the Chief Executive Officer, Heiken Enterprises ensures that students gain exposure to real-world design challenges and community-focused projects. This leadership role involves aligning corporate interests with the academic mission of the School of Architecture. Dana Heiken drives initiatives that foster innovation and creative exploration through external support and resource sharing. Through the management of these strategic alliances, the Chief Executive Officer, Heiken Enterprises contributes to the school's ability to address environmental and societal complexities. Ultimately, Heiken strengthens the bridge between the university and the professional field, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute positively to society.

Ted Delaney, the Chief Financial Officer at Montana State University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the School of Architecture. Delaney oversees the budgeting processes that fund design studios, research initiatives, and student mentorship programs. By analyzing financial data, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments directly support the mission of improving communities through innovative design. This leadership role involves working closely with the administration to secure funding for facilities that foster creativity and exploration. Ted Delaney drives financial strategies that enable the school to address societal and environmental complexities effectively. Through rigorous oversight of expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability required for long-term academic growth. Ultimately, Delaney supports the educational objectives of the institution by ensuring that financial resources are directed toward high-impact projects that enhance the human experience and prepare students for professional success.

Thijs Goossens, the Deputy Athletic Director - Internal Operations and Chief Financial Officer at Montana State University, manages the internal operational efficiency and financial reporting for athletic facilities. Goossens oversees the maintenance and development of structures that support student-athlete performance and community engagement. By aligning operational budgets with institutional goals, the Deputy Athletic Director - Internal Operations and Chief Financial Officer ensures that physical spaces reflect the university's commitment to excellence. This leadership role involves optimizing resource distribution to maintain high-quality environments for diverse campus activities. Thijs Goossens drives initiatives that improve the functionality of athletic infrastructure while adhering to strict fiscal guidelines. Through the coordination of internal teams, the Deputy Athletic Director - Internal Operations and Chief Financial Officer supports the broader mission of the university to foster growth and community impact. Ultimately, Goossens ensures that operational and financial systems remain robust and capable of supporting the evolving needs of the campus.

Benjamin Losby, the Chief Operating Officer - Qcore at Montana State University, directs the operational workflows for specialized research and development units. Losby oversees the execution of projects that bridge the gap between theoretical architectural design and practical application. By managing the day-to-day operations of Qcore, the Chief Operating Officer - Qcore ensures that resources are utilized to foster innovation and student engagement. This leadership role involves streamlining processes to address societal and environmental complexities in design. Benjamin Losby drives the integration of research findings into the broader academic framework of the university. Through the oversight of operational efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer - Qcore supports the school's mission to improve communities through creative exploration. Ultimately, Losby ensures that the operational capacity of the unit remains aligned with the strategic goals of the institution, facilitating high-quality outcomes in architectural research and development.

Tom Beck, the President at Montana State University, directs the overall mission and long-term strategy of the institution. Beck oversees the academic and administrative leadership to ensure that the School of Architecture remains dedicated to designing spaces that enhance the human experience. By setting the institutional agenda, the President fosters an environment where creativity and exploration thrive in the face of societal and environmental complexities. This leadership role involves representing the university to stakeholders and ensuring that the commitment to community improvement remains a central focus. Tom Beck drives the development of programs that prepare graduates to excel in the field of architecture. Through the coordination of the executive team, the President maintains the high standards of education and research that define the university. Ultimately, Beck secures the future of the institution by championing innovation and ensuring that all efforts align with the core mission of positive societal contribution.

Krishna Rupavatharam, the Chief Technology Officer at Montana State University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting advanced architectural research and design. Rupavatharam manages the integration of cutting-edge software and hardware tools within the School of Architecture to empower students in creating complex structures. By overseeing technical labs and computational resources, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the academic environment remains at the forefront of industry standards. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to implement design-focused technology that enhances the human experience. Krishna Rupavatharam drives the adoption of sustainable digital practices that align with the broader institutional mission of environmental stewardship. Through the optimization of technical workflows, the Chief Technology Officer supports the creative exploration of students and researchers. Ultimately, Rupavatharam maintains the technological foundation necessary for the university to excel in architectural innovation and community-focused design projects.

Amy Kanuch, the Interim Chief Marketing Officer, July 2025 at Montana State University, directs the communication strategies that highlight the impact of the School of Architecture. Kanuch oversees the promotion of student achievements and research projects that focus on enhancing the human experience. By managing brand messaging, the Interim Chief Marketing Officer, July 2025 ensures that the institution attracts aspiring architects committed to community improvement. This leadership role involves coordinating outreach efforts that showcase the school's dedication to societal and environmental complexities. Amy Kanuch drives engagement with prospective students and industry partners to expand the reach of the university's design philosophy. Through strategic storytelling, the Interim Chief Marketing Officer, July 2025 elevates the profile of the architecture program within the broader academic landscape. Ultimately, Kanuch strengthens the reputation of the school by effectively communicating the value of innovative design and creative exploration to diverse audiences.

Ryan Knutson, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Montana State University, directs the enterprise-wide digital strategy and information systems. Knutson oversees the deployment of secure networks and data management platforms that support the academic and research activities of the School of Architecture. By managing the IT infrastructure, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty have reliable access to the tools required for complex design and structural analysis. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to integrate technology into the core mission of the university. Ryan Knutson drives the modernization of digital services to enhance the human experience through improved connectivity and data accessibility. Through the oversight of information security and system performance, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer supports the institution's commitment to innovation. Ultimately, Knutson maintains the digital backbone necessary for academic excellence and community-focused research.

Adam Edelman, the Chief Information Officer (Interim) at Montana State University, manages the immediate operational requirements of the university's information technology systems. Edelman oversees the support services that enable students to engage with digital design tools and collaborative platforms within the School of Architecture. By focusing on system reliability, the Chief Information Officer (Interim) ensures that the technological environment remains conducive to creative exploration and research. This leadership role involves addressing technical challenges that arise during the implementation of new architectural software. Adam Edelman drives the maintenance of essential IT services that support the broader educational mission of the institution. Through the coordination of technical support teams, the Chief Information Officer (Interim) facilitates a seamless experience for users across the campus. Ultimately, Edelman provides the necessary stability in information systems to allow students and faculty to focus on designing structures that enhance the human experience.