Montana State University-Billings Professors Remain on Leave Amid Ongoing Investigation
Two tenured professors from Montana State University-Billings are still on paid administrative leave after being suddenly dismissed at the start of the fall 2025 semester. Economics professor Joshua Hill and sociology professor Jennifer Scroggins were suspended shortly after filing complaints about a prison education program affiliated with the university. Despite being on leave, the professors claim the investigation process has stalled, leaving them in a state of bureaucratic limbo.
The suspension of Hill and Scroggins is linked to alleged violations of the Montana Department of Corrections’ policies, which prohibit contact with prison inmates during teaching. University documents reveal that both professors maintained communication with former students after completing their teaching duties. Hill has stated that the university is not progressing with their case, and the Committee on Service responsible for reviewing it has yet to meet.
Students at MSUB have expressed difficulties in completing coursework due to the sudden suspension of their professors. They reported being unaware of the suspension until media reports surfaced, despite university claims of providing alternative classes and advisement. Scroggins was instrumental in developing a new graduate-level course in criminal justice, which was impacted by her absence.
Provost Lee Vartanian has recommended termination for the professors, but the university must adhere to its collective bargaining agreement before proceeding. This involves a review by a faculty committee, which has not convened. MSUB officials have confirmed that the professors continue to receive full salary and benefits while on leave.
MSUB spokesperson Dan Carter stated that faculty responsibilities have been reassigned to ensure course coverage, with no additional budget allocations for this situation. The Montana Federation of Public Employees has remained silent, and the case is now being addressed at the state level. Galen Hollenbaugh of the Montana University System indicated that paid administrative leave practices vary across campuses and did not disclose the number of employees currently on leave.
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