Former University of Montana President George Dennison dies

MISSOULA – Former University of Montana President George Dennison has died due to complications from non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

The university said he died Tuesday morning surrounded by family. He was 81.

Dennison retired from the university in 2010 after serving as president for 20 years – the longest tenure of any UM president. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of Montana before earning his doctorate at the University of Washington.

Dennison oversaw sustained growth at the university. UM’s enrollment increased from just over 10,000 in 1990 to almost 15,000 in 2009. He oversaw fundraising for the construction and remodeling of numerous campus facilities while the university’s endowment grew from $17.3 million to $120 million.

Dennison is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jane, and their sons, Robert and Rick.