UM Proposes Naming New Forestry Building After Robert and Janet Wolfenden

The University of Montana is moving to name a new 73,000-square-foot facility the Robert T. and Janet M. Wolfenden Forestry and Conservation Building, according to a public notice released by the university. The proposed naming honors a transformational investment from the Wolfendens, a couple whose connection to the school began through Grizzly Athletics after they moved to Stevensville in 2016.

This isn’t just a plaque on a wall. The project represents a physical expansion for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, creating a centralized hub for research, laboratories, and classrooms. For students and faculty, the stakes are practical: the building will house innovative study spaces and offices designed to address the specific conservation challenges currently facing Montana and the broader region.

A legacy rooted in soil science

The drive behind the gift was more than just local pride. Janet Wolfenden spent her career as a soil scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, bringing a professional depth to the couple’s appreciation for Montana’s ecosystems. That expertise translated into a vision for expanding research opportunities for the next generation of stewards.

The timing of the naming carries a poignant weight. Janet Wolfenden passed away in 2025 after a brief battle with cancer, making this facility a permanent marker of her professional legacy and her commitment to the natural sciences.

The forestry building in portland known as the worlds

“Bob and Janet Wolfenden believed in the importance of stewarding our natural resources and preparing the next generation to care for them,” said UM President Jeremiah Shinn. “Their generosity will create opportunities for our students and help us address the most important conservation challenges facing our state and region.”

The scale of the new facility

At 73,000 square feet, the building is designed to be more than a departmental office. It is intended as a collaborative intersection for several different groups:

Faculty and students within the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.
Researchers from other University of Montana science programs.
External community partners focused on natural resource management.

By integrating these groups into one “hub,” the university is betting on a collaborative model of innovation.

The public comment process

University naming isn’t a closed-door decision. In accordance with Montana Board of Regents Policy 1004.1, the university is required to seek public input before finalizing the name.

While naming rights are often viewed through the lens of philanthropy, the underlying value here is the infrastructure.

The resulting building will honor residency in Stevensville and a career spent studying the earth that defines the Montana terrain.