Dr. Matthew Muterspaugh Named Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies at Montana Tech
Montana Technological University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Matthew “Moots” Muterspaugh as the new Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies (CLSPS), effective July 1, 2026.
“I am honored to join an institution known for outstanding student outcomes, deep commitment to the Butte community and state of Montana, and research that solves real-world problems. It is exciting to join a Montana Tech team uplifting individual students and society as a whole. I look forward to partnering with the faculty, staff, and students of the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies to advance its role in the University's STEM mission,” said Dr. Muterspaugh.
Dr. Muterspaugh brings a distinctive combination of academic leadership, scientific accomplishment, and strategic vision that strongly aligns with Montana Tech’s mission as Montana’s STEM university.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Muterspaugh to the Oredigger family,” said Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor Tim Elgren. “His extensive background in both rigorous scientific research and innovative academic administration makes him the ideal leader to guide the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies into its next chapter of growth.”
Dr. Muterspaugh joins Montana Tech from Los Medanos College, where he most recently served as Dean of the Brentwood Center and Distance Education. His previous leadership roles include serving as Dean of the Science, Technology, and Mathematics Division at Columbia State Community College, as well as holding the rank of serving as Center of Excellence Director and Associate Professor during his tenure at Tennessee State University.
A physicist and astrophysicist by training, Dr. Muterspaugh earned his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has authored more than 60 refereed scientific publications. He also holds an MBA from Tennessee State University, bringing a valuable perspective in organizational leadership and strategic management to his academic roles. Over the course of his career, he has successfully led multi-campus academic operations, supported critical accreditation and assessment initiatives, expanded workforce-aligned programming, and secured more than $4 million in competitive federal grants.
Dr. Muterspaugh’s background reflects a deep commitment to student success, applied learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic innovation. As Dean of CLSPS, he will help advance Montana Tech’s strategic priorities related to student success, programs of distinction, and workforce development, while strengthening the College’s vital role in preparing graduates to address the evolving needs of Montana and the global economy.
Dr. Muterspaugh succeeds Dr. Michele Hardy, who dedicated five years of leadership to the university after taking office as Dean in July 2021.