Ronald Pressie Sexton

Ron Sexton was born on September 30, 1937. His life was full of adventure, travel, and surprise. He spent more than 50 years working as an educational leader and he started his education from his house on the south side to McMullen Hall at Montana State Billings – University.

After graduating from Billings Senior High Schol in 1955, Ron enrolled at Eastern Montana College…so he could pitch for the EMC Yellowjackets. He had been offered a chance to play professional ball but his parents persuaded him that “college” was more important. He admitted if it hadn’t been for his girlfriend Marilynn, he probably would not have graduated. Baseball was his life but education became priceless to him.

Ron and Marilynn met at EMC. They married and have four children: Michelle, Doug, Laurie and Lisa. They also have Brian and three grandsons: Tanner, Brendan and Drew. Ron and Marilynn would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in August.

After getting married, both Sextons taught and coached in Thermopolis, Wyoming where they had their first two children, Michelle and Doug. After being after offered a position at Powell Community College, the young family traveled to Wyoming where Ron became the Director of the Counseling and Psychology Department at Northwest Community College.

Soon EMC beckoned and the family moved back to Billings where Laurie was born. While there, Ron earned the Master of Science degree in guidance and counseling with a minor in psychology. Ron and Marilynn soon realized it was beneficial for Ron to obtain his doctorate if he wanted to teach in college.

The family left Billings and headed to Oregan, where he was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy-Education degree in 1971. This enabled him to become Dr. Ronald P. Sexton. During the families time in Oregan their fourth child, Lisa was born and the family was complete.

Michigan was the next adventure. With a degree in hand Ron joined the faculty of Central Michigan University where he became clinical director for the College of Education. He was also especially proud to join the Kenndy family as they led the Special Education Conference and Special Olympics at the University in Mount Pleasant Michigan. .

Then the mountains of Montana and the family returned to Billings and Dad back to EMC to become the Director of Human Resources. By 1986 he was Acting Academic President. EMC had become Montana State University Billings and Ron became the chancellor. He was the first educator from Billings to lead MSUB.

Sometimes the Sexton children became a little jealous of Ron’s dedication to MSUB but they knew their parents would support and attend any of their activities. Their cabin in Red Lodge allowed them to spend many hours together and make special memories together.

As Chancellor, Ron and the faculty helped get Montana legislature approval of a 29.5 million bond for capital improvements for Two year colleges across Montana. With his many associates, they raised millions of dollars for the construction of the Health Sciences Building. He also traveled to Washington D.C. to obtain federal funds for the College of Technology. It never surprised the faculty to see Ron taking the time to offer words of encouragement, assisting a student buying books, or simply just taking the time to listen. Ron knew what is was like to be a struggling college student. He also honored his wife when he established the Marilynn A. Sexton Scholarship Endowment. This endowment provides scholarships to many non-traditional MSUB students.

As an ardent baseball fan and former EMC baseball player, Ron was successful in gathering community support to bring collegiate baseball back to MSUB. He also helped raise funds to develop the MSUB soccer field next to the College of Technology.

Ron never forgot coaching baseball and basketball so they attended many American Legion baseball games and spent decades watching the Billings Mustangs baseball games. Their seats at Dehler Park were perfect for Ron to watch and evaluate a new young pitcher. Years earlier he watched his son Doug, play the game they both loved.

After almost 50 years of watching basketball games at the school, Ron and Marilynn were excited when they noticed their names had been engraved on seats, 19 and 20. They proudly supported the coaches and student athletes. The games also allowed them to visit with friends (only during halftime) as once the game began, Ron was focused analyzing every play.

Ron retired in 2010. His time as Chancelor where undeniably his most memorable. As he stepped away from MSUB he was confident that the future of the school would continue to push forward and carry on his vision.

As much as Ron was committed to his career, his love for his family was most important. His quiet strength, unwavering support and unconditional love will forever be remembered and missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marilynn A. Sexton Scholarship endowment at MSUB.