UM Selects Dr. Paul Lukacs as Interim Vice President for Research and Creative Scholarship

The University of Montana recently selected Dr. Paul Lukacs to serve as interim vice president for research and creative scholarship. Starting July 2, he will take the reins of UM’s robust “R1” research enterprise, which tallied nearly $150 million in science expenditures in fiscal year 2025.

Lukacs will serve as interim for one year, reporting directly to incoming UM President Jeremiah Shinn.

“I am very excited to serve UM as interim vice president for research,” Lukacs said. “This position provides an incredible opportunity to support faculty and students conducting impactful research. I am also excited to highlight the economic development and community engagement fostered by the Office of Research and Creative Scholarship.”

Originally from New Jersey, Lukacs earned an undergraduate degree in wildlife biology from UM in 1999. He then earned his master’s and doctorate in fish and wildlife biology from Colorado State University.