The Cruzado Legacy: A Farewell Conversation

April 21, 2025

As the spring semester comes to a close and a new chapter begins, Dr. Waded Cruzado prepares to step down after 15 years of transformational leadership at Montana State University. In a wide-ranging and personal interview with Lane Nordlund, Dr. Cruzado reflects on the journey that began in Puerto Rico and led her to the presidency of Montana’s flagship land-grant university.

🎥 Watch the full interview below

🎥 Listen/Watch the full interview below on Apple Podcasts

Dr. Cruzado discusses the core of her vision: increasing access to higher education, strengthening MSU’s land-grant mission, and ensuring that every Montanan feels this university is their own. From the president’s bus tours to the rebirth of Ag Expo and historic campus infrastructure projects, her presidency has been shaped by listening, inclusion, and action.

One of her most touching sentiments: “In Jordan, Montana, I learned that ‘neighbor’ is a verb.”

As the state prepares to say farewell, this interview is both a tribute and a thank-you to one of Montana’s most impactful higher education leaders.

For those who wish to honor Dr. Cruzado’s legacy, contributions can be made to the Cruzado Legacy Hilleman Scholarship.

Source: Western Ag Network