MISSOULA — 2020 was a year of achievement, growth and grit at the University of Montana.

Over the summer, and as a result of a unique public health partnership and effort to advance a COVID-19 vaccine, UM was named one of the top 10 universities in the world when it comes to solving the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, the UM College of Business again ranked as the top business school in the Big Sky; UM Online was recognized as one of the nation’s best undergraduate programs for veterans; and UM is again home to a Rhodes Scholar finalist.

As a result of renewed efforts to strengthen s...