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History of UM-Helena College of Technology


1939

The University of Montana – Helena College of Technology (UM-Helena), formerly the Helena College of Technology and the Helena Vocational-Technical Center, is founded in 1939 when the Office of Public Instruction designates five training centers for Montana. The Helena Center is the only one to accept the challenge.


1940s - 1960s

During World War II, thousands of war production workers are trained for shipyards, aircraft factories, and Air Force bases, as well as for other large and small production enterprises. At the same time, preflight training is conducted for students at Carroll College under a Navy training contract. Following World War II, courses are updated for veterans from all over Montana, as well as for local high school students. The curriculum expands to include auto mechanics, machine shop, welding, and electronics, in addition to the aviation program. During the mid-1950s, diesel mechanics, building trades, and pilot training are added. Additional programs are added during the 1960s, such as practical nursing, agricultural mechanics, data processing, and other business and office courses.


1967

A new building is completed at 1115 North Roberts Street. The building is known as the Donaldson campus, named in honor of the late Gene Donaldson, a long-time education supporter. The campus encompasses nearly 108,000 square feet of classroom, shop, and other instructional-related space.


1969

The Montana State Legislature reaffirms the state designation of five vocational training centers established by statutory law. A portion of the original building in Helena is still used being today for the Aviation Maintenance Technology program.


1989

The Montana Legislature authorizes the transfer of governance of the state’s five Vocational-Technical Centers (in Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula) to the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education. This transfer ends joint governance by the local school districts and the state Office of Public Instruction.


1973

The Montana Legislature authorizes a major renovation project at the airport facility.


1994

The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education restructures the Montana University System, which results in the Helena Vocational-Technical Center becoming affiliated with The University of Montana. The institution is renamed the Helena College of Technology of The University of Montana.


1996

Construction of the Student Center is finished. Located at the Donaldson campus, the facility includes food service, a bookstore, and a lounge area. The project is initiated by the Student Senate.


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