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 Governor�s 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.�