September 27-28, 2001

ITEM 112-1006-R0901 Professor Emeritus Status for Robert Pfister, Professor, School of Forestry; The University of Montana-Missoula

 

THAT: Robert Pfister, in his twenty years of service to The University of Montana, has merited the appreciation and commendation of the Board of Regents of the Montana University System, and the title of Professor Emeritus.

 

EXPLANATION: Robert Pfister joined the School of Forestry and the Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station (MFCES) in 1981 as Director of the Mission Oriented Research Program and Research Professor of Ecology and Silviculture. In 1990 he was additionally appointed Associate Director of the MFCES and served in this capacity until his retirement in 2001.

During his tenure in the School of Forestry and the MFCES, Professor Pfister initiated new programs serving the needs of Montana and its citizens. Included are the Mission Oriented Research Program, the Montana Riparian Association (a research and education cooperative), the Inland Growth and Yield Cooperative, and the Western Montana Ecosystem Management Learning Centers Program. In addition, he initiated courses in ecosystem and landscape management and was major professor for several master's and doctoral graduates. During his career, first with the USDA Forest Service and then at The University of Montana, Professor Pfister established an international reputation in ecological land and vegetation classification.

For these accomplishments, the faculty of the School of Forestry and The University of Montana-Missoula proudly recommends the commendation of the Board of Regents and the title, Professor Emeritus, for Professor Robert Pfister.