New vision opens doors for traditional, transfer, and graduate students while reinforcing the Catholic mission and supporting Montana’s workforce
HELENA, MT — Carroll College is charting an ambitious new course with a transformative strategy to strengthen its traditional on-campus experience, expand its online and hybrid programs, and serve learners at every stage of life. This direction will create new pathways for transfer students, broaden graduate opportunities for new students and alumni advancing their careers, and deepen partnerships that support the workforce needs of Helena, Montana, and the surrounding region, all while upholding Carroll’s Catholic mission and commitment to academic excellence.
Over the past several months, the Board of Trustees worked with campus leaders and advisors to define a clear vision that builds on the college’s strengths and sets priorities for growth. The plan is shaped by community input and designed to serve students and partners across Montana and beyond.
Expanding Access and Strengthening Tradition
Carroll will broaden its capacity to serve learners at different stages of life, including adult learners, working professionals, degree-completing individuals, and career changers, through flexible and career-aligned programs delivered online and in hybrid formats. This expansion will reinforce and enhance Carroll’s traditional on-campus programs, create new pathways for transfer students and keep the hallmarks of a Catholic liberal arts education vibrant and strong.
“This is an exciting new direction that will complement our traditional programs and extend Carroll’s formative education to learners we have not been able to serve fully in the past,” said Bishop Austin Vetter, Co-President of Carroll College. “I am thrilled that we will be able to reach more students and share our Catholic values.”
“We are aiming to meet learners where they are, on campus, online, and in graduate pathways, while preserving what makes Carroll exceptional,” added Dr. Jennifer Glowienka, Co-President. “By pairing flexible formats with quality academics and personalized support, we will open doors to serve more students and ensure Carroll thrives for generations to come.”
Building on Momentum
This direction builds on successful initiatives already underway, including the Master of Social Work program, the 15-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track, the Certificate in Financial Planning, our hybrid cybersecurity program, and the developing Physician Assistant program. These programs, along with new offerings, will provide accessible and outcomes-focused education that prepares students to respond creatively and ethically to evolving challenges. It will also create graduate opportunities for Carroll alumni to continue advancing their careers and earning additional degrees, keeping the college a trusted resource for professional growth.
Carroll’s expansion will strengthen the local community of Helena and the state of Montana by preparing graduates for in-demand careers, deepening partnerships with regional employers, and creating flexible pathways that help Montanans advance without leaving the state. These efforts will support workforce development, contribute to the regional economy, and help keep talent rooted in Montana communities.
“This direction offers a clear sense of purpose, rooted in Carroll’s mission, while opening new pathways for growth, innovation, and access,” said Dr. Joyce Stewart, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “It provides the framework for our next strategic plan and positions Carroll to serve learners, our community, and the common good well into the future.”
As Carroll embraces this new chapter, the college remains steadfast in its commitment to faith, academic excellence, and service, educating ethical leaders who engage the world with purpose and hope.
About Carroll College
Carroll College is a Catholic liberal arts institution in Helena, Montana, known for academic excellence, a vibrant campus community, and a mission of service to the common good. The college offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that cultivate intellectual curiosity, moral character, and a life of purpose.