March 20-21, 2003

ITEM 118-2802-R0303   Authorization to Confer the Title of Associate Professor Emeritus of Biology and Chemistry on Dr. Duane Klarich; Montana State University-Northern

THAT: Dr. Duane Klarich, Associate Professor of Biology and Chemistry at Montana State University-Northern until his retirement at the conclusion of the 2002 summer session, merits the title of Associate Professor Emeritus for his exemplary teaching and service to the institution during his career.

EXPLANATION: Dr. Klarich was first employed at Montana State University-Northern as an Assistant Professor of Biology and Chemistry in 1986. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1993. Prior to joining the University's faculty, he was engaged in water quality research for private and state agencies and served as a biology instructor at Montana State University-Billings.

In addition to teaching a variety of courses in biology, chemistry and water quality, Dr. Klarich played a key role in Montana State University-Northern's science education programs. For many years, Dr. Klarich taught the senior course on the Methods of Teaching Secondary Science and accepted the leadership role in periodic reviews of the program mandated by the Office of Public Instruction. He took the leadership, as well, in development of the master's program in General Science Education, taught graduate courses and participated in the master's examination of every graduate of that program from its inception in 1993 until his retirement.

His science faculty colleagues especially commend Dr. Klarich for his efforts as an advisor and for his readiness to take on special departmental tasks. His colleagues recall consulting with Dr. Klarich on the final review for graduation for their own advisees. A former chair of the Mathematics and Science Department reports that he cannot remember a time when Dr. Klarich refused a request to take on some special duty for the Department.

Dr. Klarich's dedication to teaching and his contributions to the success of undergraduate and graduate programs in the sciences at Montana State University-Northern merit conferral of the title of Associate Professor Emeritus of Biology and Chemistry.