- Year Published : 2024
- Month Published : February
BOULDER, Colo. – Rep. Llew Jones has been appointed by Gov. Greg Gianforte to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), representing Montana.
WICHE works collaboratively to expand access to high-quality higher education across the West by promoting innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy. The WICHE Commission is comprised of 48 commissioners from the 15 Western states and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States. The commissioners are leaders in higher education and include state higher education executive officers, college and university presidents, legislators, business and community leaders, and other key partners. Together, they guide WICHE’s strategic direction and assure the Western Regional Education Compact is carried out for the benefit of the West.
“In order to support and promote the growth of Montana’s workforce, we must continuously expand student access to postsecondary education,” Jones said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join WICHE in providing students in Montana and across the West with the tools needed to succeed.”
Jones began his political career in 2004 when he was elected to the Montana State Legislature, where he has served for 20 years. Currently the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Jones has helped shape Montana’s education, budget, and financial policies and priorities. He previously chaired the State Finance and Claims Committee for four years and has led major legislative initiatives in education, energy, and agriculture over the past decade.
“With a long career spanning different aspects of education policy and his extensive legislative experience, Llew Jones will be a tremendous asset to the WICHE Commission on behalf of Montana,” President Demarée Michelau said. “I extend a warm welcome to Rep. Jones and look forward to his contributions.”
Alongside his political work, Jones and his wife of over four decades, Carole, own and partner in successful business ventures including farm, ranch, and retail operations across 11 Montana communities.
Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and a master’s degree in applied economics, both from Montana State University.
