July 10-11, 2003

ITEM 120-1004-0703    Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences upon William Derrick; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: William Derrick, Professor of Mathematical Sciences, in his 31 years of service to The University 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 Mathematical Sciences.

EXPLANATION: Professor Derrick received a Ph.D. from Indiana University in 1966. He taught mathematics at the University of Utah and at Arizona State University before joining The University of Montana's Department of Mathematical Sciences as an Associate Professor in 1972. He was promoted to Professor in 1975. Throughout his career, Professor Derrick has been recognized as an excellent teacher and advisor. He served the Department as chair from 1979 to 1981 and again from 1987 to 1990.

In addition to his excellent teaching record, Professor Derrick has contributed significantly to research in mathematics. He has written books, published articles, and conducted seminars in applied mathematical modeling. He was a Fulbright Fellow in 1975 and a NSF Faculty Science Fellow in 1976-77. Six doctoral students have finished under his direction. In 1999 he received the University's Distinguished Scholar Award. As a professor, a scholar, a leader, and finally as a senior resource, Professor Derrick has developed the talents of many students in the Department of Mathematical Sciences for over thirty years.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences is honored to recommend Professor William Derrick for Emeritus status.