March 17-18, 2005

ITEM 126-1002-R0305:  Resolution to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Anthropology upon Thomas A. Foor; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: Dr. Thomas A. Foor, in his twentieth year of dedicated service to The University of Montana, has merited commendation of the Board of Regents of the Montana University System, and has earned the title of Professor of Anthropology Emeritus.

 

EXPLANATION: Professor Foor earned his Ph.D. degree in 1982 from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Professor Foor joined the Anthropology faculty at The University of Montana in 1984, spending his entire academic career here. He was promoted to associate professor in, 1989, awarded tenure in 1991, and promoted to full professor in 1997. His outstanding performance in teaching, research, and service is evidenced by several merit awards and being the recipient of the W.S. King award as Outstanding Faculty Advisor.

Professor Foor has focused his scholarly work in the field of archaeology with an emphasis in historic preservation policy and law. His contributions to the field of anthropology are reflected in 19 articles, 21 professional papers delivered at national and international conferences, 48 archaeological technical reports, countless book reviews, and server monographs to his credit. To support those research efforts, he attracted $1,035,507 in funding. Much of his research has centered on two regions, the Northern Plains and Scandinavian archaeology. Dr. Foor actively conducted research in both regions. His research efforts continue to attract regional, national, and international attention.

Paralleling his stellar record of scholarship, Dr. Foor is a dedicated educator. Professor Foor has always been dedicated to the cause of quality instruction. He taught a wide array of courses, ranging from undergraduate lower division to graduate seminars. Although his courses have always been rigorous and demanding, students flock to these courses with regularity. It is a testament to his broad knowledge base, teaching effectiveness, and his dedication to each student's welfare and educational experience. Indicative of his dedication to students, he has served on over 55 graduate thesis committees, chairing many of them. He also assisted countless undergraduate majors and minors through the program.

That dedication extends to service. Over the course of his career, Dr. Foor served on numerous university and state committees, grant review panels, and journal editorships. Dr. Foor, since being on campus, has directed the Archaeological Records Office, preserving Montana's cultural heritage. He currently is a Gubernatorial appointee to the Board of Trustees, Montana Historical Society.

Professor Foor has always been an outstanding faculty member and university citizen. The Department of Anthropology is honored to recommend Dr. Thomas A. Foor for Emeritus status.