Two MSU Billings Professors Remain in Paid Limbo Amid Uncertain Review Process

University officials say procedures and budgets are being managed internally, but students report disrupted classes and uncertainty.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Two tenured professors at Montana State University Billings have been on paid administrative leave for months following complaints about a prison education program, and the review process appears stalled. The university is juggling costs, course coverage, and unanswered questions as the professors' futures remain uncertain.

Why it matters

The ongoing paid leave of the two professors has created disruptions for students and raised questions about the university's handling of the situation. The case highlights the challenges universities can face in managing sensitive personnel matters while maintaining academic continuity and transparency.

The details

According to the Daily Montanan, the two tenured MSU Billings professors were suspended following complaints about a prison education program they were involved with. However, the review process has stalled, leaving the professors in paid limbo for months. University officials say procedures and budgets are being managed internally, but students have reported disrupted classes and uncertainty about the situation.

  • The two professors were suspended following complaints about a prison education program in an unknown timeframe.

The players

Montana State University Billings

A public university located in Billings, Montana, and the third-largest public university in the state.

Two tenured MSU Billings professors

Two professors at Montana State University Billings who have been on paid administrative leave for months following complaints about a prison education program.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The university has not provided a clear timeline for resolving the review process and determining the future of the two suspended professors.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges universities can face in managing sensitive personnel matters while maintaining academic continuity and transparency for students. The prolonged paid leave of the two professors has created disruptions and raised questions about the university's handling of the situation.