Dr. Katie Hailer Named Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School
Following a comprehensive national search, Montana Technological University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Katie Hailer as Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School. Dr. Hailer, who previously served in the role on an interim basis, was selected from a competitive pool of finalists after a series of on-campus and online interviews.
"Following an extensive search, we are pleased Dr. Katie Hailer has accepted the position of Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School,” noted Joanne Lee, chair of the search committee. A veteran department head and faculty member, Dr. Hailer brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to elevating Montana Tech’s research profile. The search committee would like to thank the campus community for their invaluable participation throughout this process. We look forward to the vision and leadership Dr. Hailer will continue to bring to this vital role."
“I’m honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong research foundation already in place at Montana Tech,” noted Hailer. Through my long tenure here, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our faculty, the determination of our students, and the impact of our research programs. I look forward to working collaboratively with our faculty, students and partners to continue growing a research enterprise that is both impactful and connected to the needs of our state and region.”
A tenured professor and longtime department head of chemistry, Dr. Hailer has been instrumental in fostering a robust research culture at the university. In her executive role, she will continue to lead the Office of Sponsored Programs and graduate education, focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration and aligning institutional priorities with state workforce needs. Her leadership is central to expanding Montana Tech’s research capacity through strategic partnerships with industry and federal laboratories.
An accomplished scientist, Dr. Hailer has secured more than $3.7 million in active federal funding as principal investigator or co–principal investigator from agencies including the National Science Foundation, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, and Montana INBRE. Her scholarly work spans environmental health, nanomaterials, and applied materials chemistry, resulting in numerous peer-reviewed publications and multiple awarded patents. Throughout her career, she has emphasized student mentorship and experiential learning, guiding more than 45 undergraduate researchers as well as graduate students who have gone on to careers in science, medicine, and industry.
Dr. Hailer earned her Ph.D. in bioinorganic chemistry from the University of Montana and completed postdoctoral training at the Mayo Clinic. Since joining Montana Tech in 2010, she has received multiple institutional awards recognizing excellence in research, teaching, and service, including the Montana Tech Distinguished Researcher Award. She is focused on supporting innovation and economic development across Montana and the region. Dr. Hailer remains deeply committed to diversifying research funding streams, faculty development, and expanding research and undergraduate and graduate education opportunities.