Limbaugh named Northern chancellor

Angelo State University's strategy, planning and policy Vice President James Limbaugh of San Angelo, Texas, introduces himself Nov. 8 to a group of people in attendance at the Montana State University-Northern Hensler Auditorium in the Applied Technology Center during the university's chancellor search.

James Limbaugh has been named chancellor of Montana State University-Northern.

Montana State University President Waded Cruzado made the announcement this morning, subject to approval by the Montana Board of Regents. He will start work on Jan. 1.

"It has heightened my excitement because I found the university to be so important to the community, " Limbaugh said this morning. "The enthusiasm people felt for the university and the pride they had is what really impressed me.

"I will enjoy working in an environment like that. "

Limbaugh said he is already making his plans to wrap up his current duties and begin the arduous task of moving to Havre in December. Once here, he plans to "meet with as many folks as possible to get an idea of the situation, politically, socially, economically. "

"I do not have a vision for the university, " Limbaugh said. "The vision lies somewhere up there with the people the care so much about the university. My job will be to draw that out and make it happen. "

Cruzado expressed her confidence in the decision in a press release this morning.

"Dr. Limbaugh brings experience, enthusiasm and an intense commitment to helping students succeed," Cruzado said.

"I know Dr. Limbaugh will bring strong leadership to Northern and be an advocate for Havre and all the Hi-Line communities."

Limbaugh won over the other three candidates — Lenny Klaver, Paul Jones and Phillip Taylor. They all visited Havre last week to meet with students, faculty, administrative staff and community members.

During Limbaugh's conversation with interested Havreites, he took control of the forum, turning questions around to the audience during any lulls, around which he highlighted his belief in the importance of involvement, with tribal colleges, distance learning, student affairs and the surrounding community.

"The era of the president walking around campus with a pipe and suede patches on his elbows are long gone, " Limbaugh said last week.

Limbaugh is currently vice president for strategy, planning and policy at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, a position he has held since 2008.

"It is a tremendous honor to be asked to serve as the chancellor of Montana State University-Northern. I look forward to working with MSU-N's students, faculty and staff, as well as the community of Havre and the leadership of the other MSU institutions, to build on MSU-N's reputation for excellence throughout Montana. Both Trish and I are eager to relocate to Havre and to become part of the MSU family," Limbaugh said.

Previously, Limbaugh was the interim provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Angelo State from 2009 to 2010.

From 2007 to 2008, Limbaugh was the associate vice president for institutional effectiveness at Frostburg State University in Maryland. At Frostburg State, he also served as assistant to the provost from 2002 to 2007; director of special academic services from 1995 to 2002; director of auxiliary services from 1984 to 1995; and associate dean of students from 1980 to 1984.

Prior to Frostburg State University, Limbaugh served as assistant director of the Memorial Student Union at the University of Nebraska-Kearney from 1976 to 1980.

Limbaugh earned a Bachelor of Science in history from Frostburg State University and a Bachelor of Arts in general business and English from Texas A&M University. He holds a Master of Science in student personnel and guidance from Texas A&M and a Doctorate of Philosophy in educational policy and leadership from the University of Maryland.