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Baucus Institute

Public service is the most noble human endeavor. When I think about my next chapter, I want to help inspire another generation to get involved, to see the world, to have the kind of experiences I did. Of all the things I’ve done since leaving public office, there is nothing that compares with the Baucus Institute.
Max Baucus

Max Baucus completed his roles as the United States Ambassador to China and a six-term United States Senator of Montana with his next big ambition: building a new generation of public servants. He put his vision into action by creating the Max S. Baucus Institute, housed at the University of Montana’s Blewett School of Law, in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West.

Today, the Baucus Institute is growing innovative programs that inspire and prepare students to become public servants who carry the spirit of integrity, consensus-building, and grit for which Montana is known.

With the partnership of generous donors, the Baucus Institute is poised to expand student learning opportunities from Montana to Washington, D.C. to China that will build on the Baucus legacy and create new leaders for tomorrow.

Make no small plans. Donate

Gifts to the Baucus Institute are made through the University of Montana Foundation, an independent, nonprofit organization serving the University by managing private fundraising efforts, donations, and investment of endowed gifts. All gifts are tax-deductible to the amount allowable by law.

Baucus Leaders

Each summer, ten undergraduate and graduate Montana students intern in Congressional offices and committees in Washington, D.C. to experience politics and the legislative process first-hand. The Baucus Leaders intern with Senator Daines, Senator Tester, Representative Gianforte, Senator Gillibrand, Senator Grassley, Senator McConnell, Senator Schumer, the United States Department of Transportation, and the United States Senate Finance Committee.

Comparative Law in China

Drawing from Max Baucus’s experience building diplomatic bridges as the United States Ambassador to China, the Baucus Institute sends 25 Montana law students on a month-long immersion program at universities in Chongqing and Beijing. The students, many of whom have never traveled internationally, study comparative law and policy alongside Chinese students and professors.

Department of Public Administration & Policy

The Department of Public Administration & Policy trains current and future public servants on best practices in the legislative and administrative realms, creating engaged leaders who improve public discourse and policy in Montana and beyond. Each year, over 100 graduate and undergraduate students participate in the program, and over 98% of graduates pursue careers in government and nonprofit agencies.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONFLICT RESOLUTION

With the state’s vast natural resources, Montana offers a unique landscape for discourse on environmental sustainability and extraction. This program trains students in the theory and practice of collaboration and conflict resolution to strike the balance between responsibly utilizing natural resources and preserving them for future generations.
“In our China program, we had a rigorous academic experience but also had time to dive into the culture. I came away inspired to pursue a future career in international business.” – Participant in the China Comparative Law Program
“The Baucus Leaders program opened a whole new range of opportunities in the world of politics, policy-making, and public service. The constituent interaction was a way for me to feel like I was helping Montanans.” – Baucus Leader
“The Baucus Institute gives young people life-changing opportunities to become active participants in critical domestic and international conversations and to engage in meaningful public service work.” – Sam Panarella, Professor of Law and Director of the Baucus Institute
“Our Department of Public Administration is the first-of-its kind in the state of Montana, providing applied learning opportunities for our students to provide public policy solutions for our state and beyond.” – Dr. Sara Rinfret, Director of Department of Public Administration & Policy

Erin Lunde Keenan

[email protected]

406-243-4319