March 25-26, 2004

ITEM 122-1009-R0304:  Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Journalism upon Greg MacDonald; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: The faculty of the Radio-Television Department of The University of Montana School of Journalism recommends that retired professor and RTV chair Greg MacDonald be conferred emeritus status.

 

EXPLANATION: MacDonald was first hired as an assistant professor in 1974. He was promoted to associate professor and given tenure in 1979. He was promoted to professor in 1985. MacDonald received merit awards in 90-91 and 93-94. He received sabbaticals for winter and spring quarters in 1991 and for fall semester in 1998. MacDonald retired in 2001 after 26 years at UM.

MacDonald has a record of excellence in teaching, research/creativity and service. He taught a wide variety of classes including both production and journalism. He served as chair of the RTV department at various times. He was station manager of KUFM Radio for seven years. He worked on ASCRC committees for nine years. He was on Graduate Council for four years and the Graduation Appeals Committee for eight years.

MacDonald served on the Governors Telecommunications Advisory Committee. He was on the committee to build the PARTV building that opened in 1985. He helped establish the current RTV and broadcast journalism professional programs. He wrote the AEJMC accreditation self-study for the RTV department.

He continued his professional work while at UM as well. He produced many television programs that aired state-wide. He was executive producer on the Hunting/Anti-Hunting Controversy, a national satellite teleconference headquartered at UM. MacDonald also produced spots for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Big Brothers/Big Sisters for years.

MacDonald has moved on but is still a big part of broadcasting in Montana. He serves as the president and CEO of the Montana Broadcasters Association (MBA). He is responsible for serving Montana broadcasting interests with many national organizations including the National Association of Broadcasters. While at MBA, MacDonald has helped create the Amber Alert (with the state Attorney General's office), helped establish the state Emergency Alert System (with the Governor's office) and serves on the Freedom of Information hotline board. Also, the MBA gives one of RTV's largest scholarships.

When Prof. MacDonald came to UM, the television studio cameras barely worked. MacDonald and Prof. Phil Hess took the struggling department and made it what it is today--one of the top programs in the country. The RTV faculty hope you agree that Greg MacDonald is worthy of the title "emeritus."