Dr. Krista Jean Mougey

Krista Jean Mougey grew up in Colstrip, Mont., enjoying the beauty of Eastern Montana and filling her role as “Her Daddy’s only son.” She loved anything outdoors – camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, and photography. She found her passion in life – wildlife science – as a freshman in high school and never wavered. Her high school years were filled with science-based activities and achievements. She spent three summers at the Montana Science Institute at Canyon Ferry and participated in local, state, and national science fairs three years in a row.

After graduation in 2002 as a valedictorian at Colstrip High School, she attended the University of Montana as a Presidential Scholar. She graduated in 2007 with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and a B.A. in Environmental Studies. She moved on to Texas Tech University where she completed her Masters in Wildlife Science and Ph.D. in Wildlife, Aquatic and Wildlands Science with Graduate Certification in Geographic Information Science and Technology. Her research allowed her to travel to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, the British Virgin Islands, Grand Cayman, and Canada, as well as throughout the United States.
Krista was thrilled to begin her professional career in Montana. She arrived at Montana State University Billings in mid-summer of 2017. Her unique expertise, enthusiasm, extraordinary work ethic, vision for the future, and genuine care for her students impressed all who had the pleasure of working with her. Her colleagues remarked on Krista’s graciousness, competence, insight, and good-heartedness. She helped establish the Global Information Systems Center at MSU Billings, which has since been deemed the “Ge-Whiz Lab.” Students loved Krista and sought her advice and professional knowledge regularly.

Krista left this earth far too soon on January 6, 2018, due to complications following outpatient surgery. She was dearly loved by her family, friends, students, and colleagues, and loved back with an enthusiasm that defies definition. Although her life was short, she lived every day to the fullest.

It is with that spirit of love, kindness, and passionate support of the sciences that Krista’s family and friends established the Dr. Krista Mougey Memorial Endowed Scholarship. The first award was given in academic year 2018-2019.