September 25-26, 2003

ITEM 120-2008-R0903  Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Education upon C. Van Shelhamer; Montana State University-Bozeman

THAT: Upon the occasion of the retirement of Professor C. Van Shelhamer 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: C. Van Shelhamer received baccalaureate and masters degrees from Montana State University, and received his Ph.D. in Vocational Education from Colorado State University in 1982. Dr. Shelhamer joined the Montana State University Agricultural & Industrial Education Department in 1982. During his years at MSU, Professor Shelhamer has made significant contributions to teaching, research and service.

Dr. Shelhamer has made numerous contributions in his professorial role at MSU. He has developed and instructed more than 20 Agricultural Education courses; served as Graduate Committee chair for over 30 graduate students; generated approximately $1.3 million in grants and contract activities; developed regional and national programs dealing with agricultural education curriculum development, precision farming, geographic information systems, and professional and educational program assessment; published 30+ refereed manuscripts and numerous reviewed and popular press articles; and received numerous state, regional and national awards acknowledging his contributions and dedication to the discipline of agricultural education at Montana State University.

His service contribution to the university and college was exemplary. University committee membership included MSU Faculty Council, Long Range Planning Committee, Salary Review Committee, Extended Studies Committee, University Faculty Affairs, University Teacher Education Committee, etc. Service at the college and department level was equally extensive.

Dr. Shelhamer has made significant academic contributions both regionally and nationally on remote sensing and GIS workshops that have included collaborators from South Dakota, Minnesota and Georgia which have been supported by federally competitive grants.

For these and other contributions, the Board of Regents of Higher Education is pleased to confer upon Dr. C. Van Shelhamer the rank of Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Education at Montana State University and wishes him well for many years in the future.