Great Falls College is pleased to welcome Dr. Leanne Frost as the new CEO and Dean, following a national search. Leanne has dedicated the past 15 years to shaping the college’s growth, student success initiatives, and workforce programs, most recently serving as the Executive Director of Instruction and Student Success. She is excited to lead the institution into its next chapter.
Leanne has a deep passion for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. “This institution changes lives every day by helping students discover opportunities, develop skills, and achieve their goals,” she stated. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners as we expand access to education and create pathways to success. My goal is to make Great Falls College a place where students want to learn, and people want to work.”
Enrollment at Great Falls College has increased by approximately 25 percent since 2021, significantly expanding workforce training opportunities. Programs such as structural welding, Certified Nursing Assistant training, Commercial Driver’s License courses, and basic flooring installation are available through the Career and Technical Education-Validated Skills Training department.
The college has also launched innovative partnerships, including collaboration with Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses program to support entrepreneurs in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Arizona. Great Falls College serves as the Mountain West Hub for this program. Additionally, a partnership with the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Foundation will establish the nation’s first on-campus, simulation-based grid operator training program, with the first cohort expected to start in early 2027.
“We are on a really good trajectory,” Leanne commented. “It has taken a lot of hard work by our amazing faculty, staff, and industry partners, and we don’t want to lose momentum. I’m truly excited to take on this new role. Whenever I’ve had the opportunity to accept a promotion, it’s with the intention of doing more good and helping more people.”
Leanne Frost succeeds the retiring CEO and Dean, Dr. Stephanie Erdmann, and will officially begin her new role on August 2.
By Karen Anderson: July 21, 2026 – Great Falls, Mt
