September 21-23, 2005

ITEM 128-1003-R0905  Authorization to confer the Title of Executive Assistant to the President /University Executive Vice President Emeritus upon Robert F. Frazier; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: Bob Frazier, whose 27 year career with the Montana University System in several capacities at Montana State University and The University of Montana, culminating in his role as Executive Assistant to the President/University Executive Vice President for The University of Montana, merits the appreciation and commendation of the Board of Regents of The Montana University System, and has earned Emeritus status from The University of Montana.

EXPLANATION: Bob Frazier began his career with the Montana University System in 1978 and served 15 of those years on the campus of The University of Montana in Missoula. After reorganization of the University System, he also served the campuses in Butte, Dillon, and Helena, and concluded his career with a dual appointment for both Missoula and Helena. Bob Frazier served in a variety of capacities during the 27-year time span, including student services, foundation staff, leader of a state-wide mill levy campaign, research and sponsored programs, and on the four-campus Executive Council of The University of Montana.

The programs he administered earned recognition regionally and nationally for quality and innovation. Marketing flourished under his guidance and received over seventy regional, national, and international awards, including the Best of Show from the National Admissions Marketing Report, the Grand Crystal Award from CASE, and The Beacon Award from American Education Publishers.

His oversight of trademarks and licensing produced new trademarks for The University of Montana and increases in sales and royalties by some 1,200 percent. Annual royalties from Grizzly Licensed products rank among the highest annual royalties paid to any campus of the Montana University System for a patent or trademark. He also developed "Griz Gear," the first University private label clothing line in America. The trademarks and licensing program earned the designation as a "Model Program" by the Collegiate Licensing Company, received numerous awards and appeared in several laudatory articles in national magazines for "Griz Gear," and won the NCAA's Synergy Award for Program of the Year in 2001 by the National Collegiate Licensing Association.

Under Fraziers oversight, Printing and Graphics on the Missoula campus received a number of awards for excellence in design and printing. In 2004, he oversaw the development of The University of Montana Press and co-produced its first hard-bound book entitled Charles Fritz, an Artist with the Corps of Discovery. The book received national recognition from American Education Publishers and serves as the companion publication for the Montana Museum of Art and Culture's national touring exhibit.

Frazier's work with Montana Public Radio and Montana Public Broadcasting System saw rapid expansion of Montana PBS, development of digital and satellite delivery systems, and a growing market for Montana-produced shows. Montana Public Radio attained its highest ever rating and fundraising levels during these years.

As a lobbyist, Frazier contributed in numerous areas over the years for both the University System and the Executive branch of State Government. His work received approval citations from organizations such as the National Council of State Legislatures, American Public Welfare Association, various health care and insurance organizations and national public service organizations. His support for public service led him to become a founding member of the Board of the Montana Conservation Corps and resulted in the Jefferson Award from the American Institute for Public Service.

Given his numerous and steadfast contributions to higher education and the State of Montana over 27 years, The University of Montana recommends Bob Frazier for Emeritus status.