University of Montana’s Signature AI Initiative Earns National Recognition

The University of Montana’s signature artificial intelligence initiative, the Future Project, landed a prestigious 2026 CIO 100 Award, recognizing excellence in enterprise-scale technology leadership and innovation.

“This recognition underscores the University of Montana’s thoughtful and forward-looking approach to AI,” said Zach Rossmiller, UM’s chief information officer. “The Future Project is about more than adopting new tools – it’s about supporting our faculty, staff and students as we explore the promise and possibilities of a new technological frontier, while keeping human values at the center.”

Founded in 2025, the Future Project guides UM in a reimagination of how to teach, what to teach and how to work in an era shaped by generative AI. Grounded in community and academic values, the initiative brings the entire campus community together to ensure the University’s AI strategy serves the humans of higher education.