Leadership Montana alumni in action, Stacy Klippenstein class of 2013.
Mike O’Neill
July 5, 2017
A smiling woman in pink shirt leans back on an orange cruiser bicycle
Amy Kellogg
July 15, 2017

ALUMNI IN ACTION

Stacy Klippenstein, class of 2013, Miles City

Leadership Montana alumni in action, Stacy Klippenstein class of 2013.Tell us about you… what do you do, where do you live, family life.

 I have been the President of Miles Community College in Miles City since 2014.  While in Leadership Montana, I served as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment at Montana State University Billings. My wife, Carrie, works for the local school district as a Title I Math Instructor and Library Aide.  Our oldest son, Steven, will be graduating from MSUB this year with a degree in Information Technology (so if you are looking for someone strong in networking, computer maintenance, etc., let me know – HA).  Our youngest son, Ty, is a junior at New Mexico State University and is a Pro Golf Management/Business major.  Carrie and I enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family in Montana.  

Tell us about a favorite memory from the Class of 2013? 

There are multiple favorite moments from the Class of 2013.  Our time in Butte America and the history tour was fabulous.  Hearing about all the great work the nonprofits were doing in Red Lodge …it was amazing to see how many nonprofits they had in Red Lodge, all the collaborations, and the great work they have done for that community.  I enjoyed our energy tours in Great Falls and exploring the large wind turbines.  Also, I found the tour of Stillwater Mine to be outstanding and educational.  Regarding leadership development, we had great dialogue about our leadership abilities. We also had better understanding our “colors” when it comes to team development and communication.  Of course, you can’t beat the times the Class had at the Sip N Dip in Great Falls with Piano Pat and the mermaids, the dancing in Red Lodge, the Grizzly Bar, and all the great places in Butte.  I did appreciate the Class allowing me to share the Jacket Rumble (MSUB thing)…they made me smile every time!  

What has been the strongest impact that Leadership Montana has made on your life, professionally or personally? 

I still have the encouraging comment cards from all my classmates sitting on my desk and I reviewed them when I first started at Miles Community College.  They lift me up when I feel not as confident in my abilities or bring me joy when I need a good laugh.  This is a great reminder of the networking and friendships created and nurtured during this time.  I still hear Carmen M. chirping in my ear about gracious space and our personal leadership growth through strong self-reflection.  All of this continues to impact me daily.  

What do you see as the role for Leadership Montana in our state? 

Leadership Montana allows individuals from various backgrounds, education, and industries to come together and network, learn more about what makes Montana work, allows the team to focus on important issues, and offers educational moments so each individual can add to their leadership toolbox.  I have had the pleasure to work with Leadership Miles City and use the concepts learned from Leadership Montana as catalyst for change and forward thinking for this needed and successful local program.  

 

Finally, tell us what you appreciate most about Montana.

The honest, independent nature of our citizens but their willingness to support one another through strong civic engagement and partnerships.  Leadership Montana exudes this characteristic and helps all graduates understand the importance of “walking across the aisle” to have the open dialogue that improves Montana’s future.