THAT: Patricia J. Kercher, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Services, in her 14 years of service to MSU College of Technology-Great Falls, has merited the appreciation and commendation of the Board of Regents of the Montana University System.

EXPLANATION: Dr. Kercher began working at the College as Director of the Career Assistance Center in 1985 and was promoted to her current position in 1991. Her contributions to academics and student services at the College have included:

• Developing new academic programs in the areas of health care, business and computer technology to meet area and state labor force needs as well as to provide quality employment opportunities for graduates.
• Facilitating the development of a community college curriculum under the restructuring of the Montana University System that expands the mission of the college. The College currently offers opportunities to prepare for direct employment in two years of less as well as the opportunity to take courses for transfer to other units of the Montana University System and to complete the first two years of a four-year degree program.
• Administering federal grants to develop student services to assist students in reaching their educational goals. Project Access, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, was selected as a national model project.

For these and other contributions, Dr. Kercher has served the college and the community with dedication, distinction, and superiority. In this dedicated service, she has earned the respect of her colleagues and associates throughout the College and the State of Montana.