GREAT FALLS, MONTANA – The University of Providence (UP) Interim President Father Oliver Doyle announced that Dave Gantt, who currently serves as the Vice President of Athletics, has been named the new Vice President of Student Engagement. Gantt will move into his new role starting February 3, 2019.  

Gantt will assume the role of Vice President of Student Engagement, a new position that combines both student affairs and athletics to maximize the continued commitment of UP student-centered outcomes and relations. 

"We are excited to have the expertise of a proven leader that will help facilitate both the formation and education of our students so that we can better realize our mission," says Father Oliver Doyle.  

As a 1978 alumnus of UP (then CGF), Gantt welcomes the chance to empower the education and formation of the "whole" student, not just athletics.  

"Our institutional mission is paramount, and pulling together the efforts of multiple student-centered departments will facilitate a deeper sense of service and a stronger commitment to UP's mission," Gantt said. "The cumulative effect of specific, very directed support and engagement will yield a more holistic and more deeply engaged experience for all of our students." 

As part of the leadership team, Gantt will be responsible for leading the university's strategic student engagement plan, and inspiring a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the following departments and services: athletics, career services, student affairs, food services, residential life, student clubs and organizations and student health services. This role also collaborates closely with mission and spiritual life/service and academic support.  

A native of Bakersfield, Calif, Gantt graduated from UP (then CGF) in 1978 with a BS in business administration and physical education and earned a master's in physical education at Montana State. Gantt's career in higher education spans more than 35 years with institutions including Oregon State University, Montana State, Gonzaga, and MSU-Northern in Havre, and the last 3 years as the Vice President of Athletics at UP. 

"At each stop, figuring out the various formulae for success has been but a small contribution on my part, as the bulk of the implementation to make it happen goes to all of the student athletes, coaches, support staff, and administrative staff who embraced the vision and carried out the day to day work that helps it become a reality," Gantt said. "I have been blessed with many opportunities, many exceptional co-workers, and I feel extremely blessed to remain at UP and continue my involvement as we move forward in expanding our footprint and our influence in higher education in Montana and the Northwest Region." 

The University of Providence is a private Catholic university located in Great Falls, Montana. Founded in 1932, the university includes both a School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a School of Health Professions. For more information, go to 
www.uprovidence.edu.