Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines took to the Senate floor to honor Dr. Waded Cruzado, acknowledging her significant contributions as President of Montana State University (MSU) as she prepares to leave her position. Since taking office in 2010, Dr. Cruzado has guided MSU to becoming a leading public university, with a notable impact on the state.

Senator Daines noted that three of his four children graduated from MSU during Dr. Cruzado's tenure. He praised her tireless leadership, stating, "Her passion for the success of her students has transformed not only the MSU campus, but our great state as well."

Dr. Cruzado's leadership saw notable achievements in academic and athletic fields. The university experienced a 26 percent increase in student enrollment, reaching over 17,000 students—the largest in Montana. Student retention grew to 75 percent, and graduation rates reached a two-decade high. Annual research expenditures rose by 162 percent, positioning MSU as the state's leading research institution with recognition from the Carnegie Classification of Institutes of Higher Education and the American Council on Education.

Under her guidance, MSU’s athletic department achieved commendable successes. "Our football team made it to two NCAA FCS Championships and won 5 Big Sky Conference Championships," Daines highlighted. Women's rodeo claimed three national team titles, and MSU maintained 12 consecutive top-10 finishes at the NCAA Skiing Championships.

Dr. Cruzado's tenure not only elevated MSU's status academically but also culturally and athletically. Her leadership has left a lasting legacy, and as she transitions to her next role as President of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, Senator Daines expressed his best wishes, stating, "I wish her well and look forward to rooting for her continued success—once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!"

Dr. Cruzado's departure marks the end of an era for MSU, but her influence and the advancements she spearheaded are expected to resonate long into the university's future.