Tyler Gernant of Missoula said he launched the petition calling for a "dynamic leader" at UM. Gernant is elected clerk and recorder/treasurer for Missoula County, but he took action as a private citizen.

"My wife and I had long thought that Denise would make a great university president, but obviously Royce was there," said Gernant, a Democrat.

Engstrom's departure opens the door for Juneau to fill the job, he said, and she is "uniquely qualified for that position." Gernant said Juneau has been pushing up graduation rates as superintendent while UM's enrollment has been falling.

Montana Board of Regents Chairman Paul Tuss said he would welcome Juneau's application – along with those of other interested candidates. As superintendent, Juneau has served as an ex officio Board of Regents member representing kindergarten through 12th grade, and Tuss said she served admirably for eight years.

"Certainly, we would welcome her and other people that are interested to serve in this capacity, but most assuredly, we will indeed be conducting an exhaustive national search for this very important position," Tuss said.