Salish Kootenai College heads into the fall semester on Sept. 15 with a new president, ongoing construction projects and a grant to enhance the trade programs.  

Dr. Michael Munson took over as president in June after holding various positions with the college over the last ten years. Munson said the college has gone through strategic planning efforts and spent time with the communities on the reservation to understand their needs.  

“We visited with the tribe and our board of directors and other folks to determine the direction of SKC over the next five years and coupled with new leadership, we're excited to move forward and what we can do to serve our communities in the best way possible,” Munson said. 

Along with new leadership the college also received a $75,000 grant through the Metallica Scholars Initiative. SKC is one of 15 nationwide recipients and aims to use this grant to advance skill-based training in highway construction and building trades.  

This project aligns with the economic development priorities of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and helps meet the local needs for construction workers, heavy equipment operators and heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers, the Metallica Scholars SKC press release stated. Munson explained the college intends to use these funds to provide financial support to students in this program because students in the trade programs have not received that support in that past.  

“This particular program will directly support students through financial support for books, travel, for whatever they might need to successfully complete their highly construction training,” Munson said.   

SKC currently has more than 60 programs from workforce certifications to master’s degrees. Munson said the college is working to meet the community needs and workforce development. 

“We really have a huge push towards supporting the development and STEM identity, especially in dual enrollment programs,” Munson said.  

SKC is also undergoing two construction projects on campus. The college is currently building 38 studio dorms which will be almost double the number they currently have. Along with this project the college is building a campus-wide cafeteria with a collaborative classroom space attached.  

Munson said the biggest legislative change SKC will see this year is an increase in funding for non-beneficiary students. This was passed June 19 the Montana Legislature as a part of House Bill 2 and increased state funding for non-tribal members by about 27%.  

“So that will help us tremendously,” Munson said. “There is quite a high population of non-tribal students who attend here and so that will help them in receiving an even better education.”  

However, federal funding for tribal colleges could look a bit different this year. According to the Bureau of Indian Education 2026 requested budget, President Donald Trump’s BIE budget for 2026 is just over $900 million. This is a 38% decrease from this year’s BIE budget.  

The BIE asked for only $22 million for postsecondary programs in its 2026 requested budget, a significant decrease from the $182 million postsecondary programs received the year prior. Munson said she was aware of this budget request but knows it can change.  

“We are waiting to see the overall funding,” Munson said. “However, as of right now, we're grateful for continued bipartisan support for maintenance of appropriations.”

The first day of classes at the college is Sept. 9.