Montana Technological University announced today the appointment of Tammy Burke as the new dean of Highlands College. A seasoned educator and workforce development leader, Burke brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education, corporate training, and community engagement to her new role.
Burke will succeed Karen VanDaveer, who is retiring after an impressive career spanning Montana Tech and Highlands College. VanDaveer's long-standing commitment to the University commenced in 1989 as an instructor. In 1991, she was instructor/department head and named director of nursing in 1999. Her leadership expanded in 2020 when she served as interim dean of the College of Letters, Sciences and Professional Studies, followed by her transition to interim dean of Highlands College in 2021. Her dedication culminated in her appointment as dean of Highlands in 2022.
"On behalf of Montana Tech, I offer our sincere gratitude to Dean VanDaveer for her dedicated service and impactful leadership, characterized by a steadfast commitment to student success, workforce development, and community partnership,” said Montana Tech Provost Tim Elgren. “Her contributions have significantly strengthened Highlands College and the entire Montana Tech community, and we deeply appreciate the passion, integrity, and care she brought to her role."
Burke recently served as production systems lead training analyst and workforce development liaison at Boeing Helena, where she led corporate training initiatives, managed onboarding programs, and supported regional workforce development efforts. Prior to her time at Boeing, she held academic leadership positions at Helena College University of Montana, including executive director of Career and Technical Education, where she oversaw career programs, led grant initiatives, and built robust industry partnerships.
“Tammy’s deep commitment to student success, hands-on workforce training, and program innovation aligns perfectly with the mission of Highlands College,” said Elgren. “Her ability to connect education to real-world opportunities will be invaluable as we expand our role in preparing students for high-demand careers across Montana.”
Throughout her career, Burke has championed career and technical education, successfully launched new academic and workforce programs, and collaborated with state and regional agencies to close skills gaps. She has served as a Title IX coordinator, academic evaluator for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and faculty member at multiple community colleges in Montana and Wyoming. Burke holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Wyoming.
“I am honored to join Highlands College and the Butte community,” said Burke. “Highlands has a rich history of empowering students and supporting Montana’s workforce. I look forward to building on that legacy by working collaboratively with faculty, students, and industry partners to create new pathways for success.”
Burke will begin her role on June 1, 2025.