The University of Montana Western’s Education Department and Alumni Office, in partnership with Stockman Bank, proudly present the 12th Annual Night of Stars Education Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
This year’s event will take place in UMW’s Lewis & Clark Room in Mathews Hall. The evening begins with no-host cocktails at 5:30 p.m., followed by an Italian buffet dinner at 6:00 p.m. and the induction ceremony at 7:00 p.m.
The celebration will recognize four Montana Western alumni for their outstanding dedication to education by inducting them into the Education Hall of Fame. Twelve current education students will also be honored as Outstanding Teacher Candidates.
This year’s inductees are Eileen Lane Haugen, Jimi Lunak Champ, Ken Carver, and Sara Decker.
The Outstanding Teacher Candidates are David House, John Mears, Shaun O’Brien, Caden Fields, Bryan Dellwo, Kamree Baumann, Stacy Bunko, Kyla Nelson, Megan McCauley, and Ryann Heavy Runner-Augure
Tickets for the dinner and ceremony can be purchased by contacting Kelly Allen at 406-683-7306 or online at tinyurl.com/UMWstars25.
For more information, please contact UMW Alumni Coordinator Jolene Robbins at 406-683-7303 or jjolene.robbins@umwestern.edu.
Education Hall of Fame Inductees
Eileen Lane Haugen
Eileen Lane Haugen graduated from the University of Montana Western in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a K-12 Broad Field Art Major. A third-generation graduate, she is part of a family legacy of eight Montana Western alumni dedicated to careers in education.
A native of Dillon, Montana, and a graduate of Beaverhead County High School, Eileen excelled during her time at Montana Western. She was a four-year recipient of the Mary Baker Emerick Art Scholarship, consistently made the Dean’s List, and was recognized in Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges. Eileen’s campus involvement included serving as Spurs vice president, chairing activities for the Chairperson’s Activities Board, and participating in the Art Club, KZN, KDP, and the WMC Student Senate. For her contributions, she was honored with the WMC Student Service Award.
Eileen’s 30-year teaching career began at Forsyth Middle School, where she taught Art and Physical Education. She spent the next 29 years with the Churchill County School District in Fallon, Nevada, teaching art for nine years at Churchill County Junior High and for 20 years at Churchill County High School. Through her art classes, Eileen inspired countless students to explore their creativity.
Her dedication to art education went beyond the classroom. She chaired the art department, organized student art exhibits, developed curriculum, served on the CCHS accreditation team, tutored students in proficiency skills, participated in hiring and textbook selection, and mentored new teachers. She was passionate about displaying student artwork to foster confidence and pride in their achievements.
Eileen was married to Jon Haugen for 31 years, raising three children and welcoming five grandchildren. She often reflected on her transformative experiences at Montana Western, especially the 17-day European Masterpiece Class, during which she toured museums in England, France, Switzerland, and Italy.
Jimi Lunak Champ
Jimi Lunak Champ was born and raised on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Montana Western in 2002. While at Montana Western, Jimi was an active member of the rodeo team, competing in breakaway roping, barrel racing, and team roping. She also worked with the Montana Youth Challenge program, demonstrating her dedication to supporting youth.
After graduation, Jimi began her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at Browning Elementary—in the very classroom where she was once a student. She spent ten years teaching second and third grade while earning a master’s degree in curriculum development from MSU-Northern. Later, Jimi transitioned to teaching technology and furthered her education by earning a Library Media Endorsement.
In 2021, Jimi embraced a new challenge, becoming an Agriculture Science teacher at Browning High School and a high school rodeo coach. This dream role allows her to combine her passions for agriculture and rodeo with her commitment to education.
Today, Jimi lives with her husband, Ray, and their two sons on the family ranch, where they raise cattle and travel throughout Montana for rodeo events. Together, they run Champ Enterprises, a small business focused on promoting the Western lifestyle through rodeo events, ranching, and community involvement.
Reflecting on her time at Montana Western, Jimi finds it hard to pick just one favorite memory: “I loved everything about my time at Western, but the camaraderie and lifelong friendships I made there stand out the most!”
Ken Carver
Ken Carver, a Butte, Montana native, attended Western Montana College from 1983 to 1988, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business and Math Education. He has devoted 35 years to teaching in the Butte School District, primarily instructing computer fundamentals for middle and high school students.
Ken’s passion for coaching began at Montana Western, where he assisted the Beaverhead County High School wrestling team in achieving a state runner-up finish. He spent 12 years coaching wrestling at Butte High School, contributing to eight state championship teams and earning induction into Butte’s Sports Hall of Fame as both a coach and team member. Ken also coached wrestling for more than 30 years at Butte East Middle School and coached Little League baseball.
As a certified MOA, USAW, and AAU wrestling official, Ken has officiated numerous divisional and state track meets. He is also a dedicated volunteer for various school events, showcasing his commitment to supporting students and the community.
Beyond athletics, Ken has positively impacted students through TIP (Teens in Partnership), a program focused on addressing peer pressure, relationships, and stress, further demonstrating his dedication to student well-being.
Ken credits the exceptional instructors at Montana Western for shaping both his career and personal growth. He currently teaches math at Butte East Middle School and coaches cross country and track. He is profoundly grateful for the support of his wife, Zana, and their children, Kody and Bryce.
Sara Decker
Sara Decker, a Stanford, Montana native, graduated from the University of Montana Western with a degree in Elementary and K-12 Music Education. She later earned master’s degrees in Technology Education and K-12 Special Education.
Sara began her teaching career in Clancy, Montana, where she taught K-5 music. Seeking full-time opportunities, she transitioned to teaching second grade in Sheridan, Montana, where she has remained ever since. Over the years, her roles have included teaching fourth grade, K-12 music, sixth grade, elementary special education, and now serving as the middle and high school special education teacher.
Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Sara has actively contributed to her school and community. She has coached middle and high school volleyball, assisted with boys’ basketball, worked summers as a cook and groundskeeper, and served as president of the local teachers’ union for many years.
As a passionate mentor, Sara frequently supervises student teachers, introduces students to Rural Fridays, and participates in evaluating future educators. Her efforts reflect a deep commitment to supporting and inspiring the next generation of teachers.
Sara cherishes her time at Montana Western, particularly her music classes and Senior Recital, where she showcased her instrumental and vocal talents. She credits the small class sizes for fostering opportunities to grow and succeed.
Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband, Beau, and their three children: Gunnar, Brody, and Kennedy. Her family, community, and students have been a constant source of support throughout her journey.
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