Comings and Goings
New hires, retirements, departures, and other transitions for members of the campus community. Looking for a recent announcement? Find it in the Comings and Goings archive.
In Memoriam: Ric Hauer
Dr. Frederick “Ric” Richard Hauer
September 23, 1950 – October 29, 2025
Dr. Frederick “Ric” Richard Hauer of Missoula, 猎奇重口, passed away suddenly on October 29, 2025, while traveling through Rapid City, South Dakota. He was 75. Ric courageously battled metastatic cancer for 13 years, far exceeding his initial prognosis. A towering presence in both stature and spirit, Ric was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle as well as mentor, teacher, and friend to countless individuals across the globe.
Ric served as a tenured professor at the 猎奇重口 from 1986 to 2018, continuing as Emeritus until his passing. He taught advanced courses in Stream and River Ecology and Limnology, mentored numerous graduate students, and directed major research initiatives. He founded the Institute for Ecosystems and the Systems Ecology graduate program and led over $70 million in environmental research. Ric published more than 125 peer-reviewed articles and co-edited the influential textbook Methods in Stream Ecology with Dr. Gary Lamberti.
New Planetarium Director Brianna Beller
Congratulations to our new planetarium director, Brianna Beller! Brianna earned a post-baccalaureate BA in Physics from the 猎奇重口. Shortly after, she joined UM’s Department of Physics and Astronomy as Physics Lab Coordinator and Instructor. She has since taken on leadership roles as Coordinator of the Blue Mountain Observatory and now Director of the Planetarium. Brianna lives in Missoula with her partner and enjoys gardening, birdwatching, and contemplating the cosmos. You can catch Brianna in the planetarium on Nov. 21 at 6 and 7 p.m. at her public show,
Beverly Hawkins-Llewellyn is Retiring!
After nearly 30 years of service to UM, Beverly Hawkins-Llewellyn is retiring!
Throughout her career, Bev has exemplified what it means to be a Griz — dependable, positive, and deeply committed to helping UM thrive. Her career began in Business Services, continued in Internal Audit and culminated in Center for Translational Medicine, where she has been an invaluable team member.
A proud UM alumni, Bev has given her time and leadership to Staff Senate, including several years as President. Her tireless efforts made a lasting impact across campus.
Outside work, Bev’s Griz spirit shines! She’s a Griz Football super-fan. Bev’s been one of the football team’s beloved “cookie ladies” for years and a familiar face in the North Endzone, where she’s held season tickets for as long as anyone can remember. When she’s not cheering on the Griz, you’ll find her cheering on her favorite driver in NASCAR!
Please join us as we celebrate Bev’s remarkable career and wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement! Monday, Dec. 1, from 1-3 p.m. in the Forbes Foyer, Skaggs Building (north lobby by PT). Come share your memories, enjoy refreshments and send Bev off with all the Griz love she deserves!
Griz Gratitude
UM and Missoula Communities
Our collective generosity continues to astound — Grizzlies won Can the Cats with over $1 million in donations! .
Experiential Learning & Career Success Team
Thank you to the amazing Experiential Learning & Career Success (ELCS) team. Jenah Mead and her student volunteer program leaders helped double the proceeds from last year. Over 200 volunteers raised 16,501.23 pounds and dollars in 4 hours. — Karen Schlatter
Dave Kuntz
I want to send sincere thanks to Dave Kuntz in strategic comms for always helping student journalists at UM. Recently, 20 of my students pitched, reported and wrote original news stories. More than a few of them reached out to Dave for comments and advice on interviewing other campus sources. He made time for all of them, and not all of their stories put UM in the best light. He understands so well that UM can't produce professional journalists without training them and letting them go after real stories, even as beginners. He is so patient and professional with them and it's so appreciated! — Jule Banville
Charity Atteberry
The Advisory Council on Inclusive Access and Success (ACIAS) would like to express their appreciation of Charity Atteberry. In her role at the Office of Disability Equity, Charity has made our campus more inclusive and welcoming for all students through her creative problem-solving, innovative solutions, and tireless commitment to accessibility. Thank you Charity for all you do to make our campus community more inclusive and accessible! — Dana Fitz Gale