September 25-26, 2003

ITEM 120-2005-R0903  Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Extension-4-H Youth Development upon Elizabeth M. McCoy; Montana State University-Bozeman

THAT: Upon the occasion of the retirement of Elizabeth M. McCoy from the Montana State University Extension Service, State 4-H Office, the Board of Regents wishes to express its appreciation for her service to Montana State University, the Montana University System, and the people of the state of Montana.

EXPLANATION: Elizabeth M. McCoy received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Montana State University-Bozeman in Home Economics. She served as county home economist for five years. For four years, she was assistant professor of Home Economics at MSU, teaching and advising undergraduate students. She became a statewide 4-H specialist in 1978, emphasizing curriculum development and volunteer leadership and management training. In 1988, Betty was appointed State 4-H Leader, a position she held until her retirement.

Betty has had a distinguished career at MSU. As State Leader for 4-H, she has been responsible for overall leadership and guidance of Montana's largest youth program. The 4-H program represents nearly one-third of the overall programming of the MSU Extension Service. She has published numerous bulletins and materials used by youth and their leaders statewide. She most recently provided leadership for the establishment of the MSU Center for Youth Development. She has served in numerous leadership roles as part of the Extension administrative team.

Betty is also a national leader and has received recognition for her efforts. She was the first recipient of the National IFYE Outstanding Alumni Award in 2000. She has received the Epsilon Sigma Phi Mid-Career Award, the National 4-H Association Distinguished Service Award, and was twice selected as an Outstanding Young Woman of America. She is a team player, working collaboratively with other state leaders and specialists in developing 4-H educational materials and training faculty and 4-H leaders in their use.

At the state level, she has served on many committees and boards, not only for Extension but for other organizations as well. Her advice and assistance was often sought to assist in solving areas of conflict within the organization and with its volunteers. Her broad-based view of Extension and the needs of the people of Montana have made her an extremely valuable asset to the Montana Extension Service, MSU, and the people of Montana.

For these and many other reasons, the Board of Regents of Higher Education is pleased to confer upon Elizabeth M. McCoy the status of Professor Emeritus of Extension-4-H Youth Development at Montana State University-Bozeman and thanks her for her outstanding service to Montana.