September 25-26, 2003

ITEM 120-2006-R0903  Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology upon Jack Riesselman; Montana State University-Bozeman

THAT: Upon the occasion of the retirement of Jack Riesselman from the faculty of Montana State University, the Board of Regents wishes to express its appreciation for his service to the University, the Montana University System, and the people of the State of Montana.

EXPLANATION: Dr. Riesselman received his Bachelor of Science at Colorado State University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology at the University of Nebraska. Dr. Riesselman joined the Montana State University Department of Plant Pathology as an Assistant Professor in Extension in 1979. During his 24 years at MSU, Dr. Riesselman has made significant contributions to teaching, research and service.

Dr. Riesselman has served on numerous committees during his tenure at MSU. He chaired the Extension Conference Committee, the Cropping Systems Committee, the Extension Weed Science Search Committee, the Pest and Pesticide Working Group, the Pesticide Education Working Group for the Extension Service and served as a member on numerous other committees. He served on Faculty Council, the Graduate Committee, the International Business Committee, Undergraduate Studies Committee, University Grievance Committee and the University Biosafety Committee. He is a member of The American Phytopathological Society, Epsilon Sigma Phi, The Montana County Agents Association and Sigma Xi

Highlights of Dr. Riesselman's accomplishments at MSU-Bozeman include:

  • Developed, obtained funding and co-produced Montana Ag Live, KUSM's popular locally produced television program about activities in the College of Agriculture.
  • Led a multi-state effort during the 1990's to more effectively manage Wheat Streak Mosaic virus.
  • Presented an average of 75 educational talks each year to producers, Ag business and other groups.
  • Played a key role in saving Montana's wheat export industry in 1995 by locating Karnal bunt infected seed just prior to planting.
  • oordinated Montana State University's Plant Diagnostic facility.
  • Has received over $1,000,000 grant funding on projects ranging from Sustainable Live Stock Systems (lead PI) to post-harvest diseases of cherries.
  • Currently responsible for developing a wheat disease training module for the Great Plains Diagnostic Network, a Homeland Security project.
  • Developed and participated in agronomic, weed science and soil fertility programs and projects, primarily in our cereal production systems.
  • Developed and obtained funds to hold an international symposium addressing "Barley Production in Arid Environments".
  • Currently taking a lead, active role in the introduction of new crops into Montana's changing cropping systems.
  • Actively involved with producers and the ag chemical industry via the Department of Agriculture to develop and obtain emergency pesticide registrations.
  • Perhaps most importantly to the Department, College and University, Jack developed a very close working relationship with Agricultural producers in Montana. This has helped all of us in innumerable ways over the years.

For these and other contributions, the Board of Regents of Higher Education is pleased to confer Jack Riesselman the rank of Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology at Montana State University and wishes him well for many years in the future.