University of Montana Seeks Input on New Forestry Building
The school is accepting public comments on a proposal to name its new facility after Bob and Janet Wolfenden.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Higher Education
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The University of Montana is inviting community feedback regarding the naming of a new 73,000-square-foot facility for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. The building would be named the Robert T. and Janet M. Wolfenden Forestry and Conservation Building.
Why it matters
The proposed name serves to honor the vision and investment of the late Janet Wolfenden and her husband, Bob, who have been local residents of the area since 2016.
The planned 73,000-square-foot facility will feature dedicated areas for laboratory work, classrooms, offices, and student study spaces.
The players
University of Montana
This is a public research university located in Missoula, Montana, that serves as a major hub for academic study in the region.
W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation
The college is a specialized academic division within the university focused on environmental science and forestry studies.
Bob Wolfenden
He is a local resident of Stevensville who is the focus of the new university building naming proposal.
Janet Wolfenden
She was a local resident of Stevensville who passed away in 2025 and is the co-namesake of the proposed forestry building.
The details
The facility is designed to support the educational and research mission of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. Members of the public can provide their input by mailing written comments to Brantly Hall 101 or by sending an email to the university president.
Timeline
Bob and Janet Wolfenden relocated to Stevensville in 2016.
Janet Wolfenden passed away in 2025.
The university officially opened the public comment period on October 28, 2026.
Culture Shift
This proposal follows the established administrative framework of the Montana Board of Regents policy regarding facility naming rights. It reflects the broader societal trend of institutions seeking public consensus when commemorating long-term contributors to academic life.
Residents of Missoula can directly influence the naming of a major local structure by submitting their feedback through official university channels. The process ensures that community input is considered alongside donor contributions before a final decision is made.
The takeaway
The university is utilizing a formal public comment period to ensure transparency in its naming process. Local community members are encouraged to utilize the provided mailing address or email to share their thoughts on the proposed dedication.
Further reading
For additional information on campus developments, visit the Higher Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Inter Lake.
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