University Communications and Marketing

Entrepreneurial alumnus to speak at MSUB Commencement

MSUB alumnus and former co-owner of Actagro LLC Carl Ueland to provide key address during 92^nd commencement

University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS—Montana State University Billings is pleased to announce the keynote speaker for the 92^nd annual commencement, MSUB alumnus Carl Ueland.

MSUB will confer 785 certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees during the commencement ceremony, which will be live streamed. The ceremony will be held at MetraPark at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4.

Ueland has been recognized by many as a pioneer in modern-day agriculture, accomplished businessperson, and avid supporter of MSU Billings. He is yet another example of the excellence that can develop from an education at MSUB.

A native of Butte, Montana, Ueland followed in his older brother, Ray’s footsteps and came to then-Eastern Montana College for his higher education. He ran track and cross country while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.

Ueland applied his knowledge and experience gained as a student in partnering in a startup business, Actagro LLC. Prior to Actagro, he was President of UAP California Fresno California and President of Tri-River Chemical, Pasco Wash. While at Actagro, he developed a new and innovative liquid fertilizer compound to improve fertilizer efficiency applied to several crops such as corn, almonds, pistachios, grapes, alfalfa, cotton, vegetables and tomatoes.

His focus was on improving agricultural techniques not only in fertilizer efficiency but in other products and inputs to reduce water usage, control pests on crops, and increase production, all while restoring soil health.  One of his achievements was developing a patent on a widely used fungicide.

Actagro LLC became a global company in 2010 and currently has two manufacturing sites in the U.S. and multiple distribution locations worldwide.

Ueland retired from serving as president and partial owner in 2013, but still serves on the board of directors for Actagro, LLC.

In addition to being a pioneer in modern-day agriculture, Ueland is a generous philanthropist. He has served on numerous boards, The Bulldog Foundation, Angel Fund, the board of directors for Ueland Ranches, Inc. of Butte, Mont., and other charitable causes in Fresno, Calif.

Ueland is married to Barb, and they make their home in Fresno, Calif. They have raised three sons.

Prior to Commencement, individual colleges will hold Convocations to celebrate their graduating students and announce their outstanding students for the year. Convocation schedules are as follows:

Thursday, May 2, 2019

• 6 p.m. – City College – HSCT Great Room – Reception to follow

Friday, May 3, 2019

In Petro Theatre, withreception to follow each convocation in the Glacier Room (except ROTC)

• 8:30 a.m. – College of Allied Health Professions
• 11 a.m. – College of Business/International Studies
• 12 p.m. – ROTC, Library 148
• 1 p.m. – College of Arts and Sciences
• 4 p.m. – College of Education