September 21-23, 2005

ITEM 128-1010-R0905    Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Music upon Thomas Cook; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: Thomas Cook, Professor of Music, in his 25 years of dedicated service to The University of Montana and to the State of Montana, has merited the appreciation and commendation of the Board of Regents of the Montana University System, and has earned recognition as Professor Emeritus of Music.

EXPLANATION: Professor Cook joined The University of Montana music faculty in autumn of 1979 as an Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Director of Bands, following ten years of teaching at Central College, Pella, Iowa. He has had a distinguished career at The University of Montana and has maintained a record of excellence in teaching, research/creative activity and service.

As Director of Bands, Professor Cook was responsible for reactivating a marching band program and established the UM Concert Band Festival, which brings more than thirty bands from across the state of Montana and the Rocky Mountain West to campus each year to work with nationally recognized clinicians. Professor Cook's work in supervising instrumental music student teachers has left a legacy of outstanding band directors throughout the nation. During the decade prior to fall semester 2002, he also served with distinction as Chair of the Department of Music, guiding the Department through a successful accreditation review by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Professor Cook has been the Montana State Chairman for the College Band Directors National Association, Divisional Chair Elect for the National Association of Schools of Music, President of the Montana Music Educators Association (MMEA) and the Montana Bandmasters Association.

In recognition of his outstanding service to the state of Montana and for his lifelong commitment to music education, Professor Cook received the MMEA Leadership award in 2002 and the MMEA Distinguished Service Award in 2004. In 2005, he received the Outstanding Music Educator Award for Montana by the National Association of Interscholastic School Administrators. He continues to keep The University of Montana high in his life's priorities.

Professor Cook has provided significant contributions to the Department of Music, the School of Fine Arts, The University of Montana, and the profession. He merits recognition and appreciation for his considerable service to The University of Montana and the State of Montana.