July 8-9, 2004

ITEM 124-1501-R0704    Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Environmental Engineering Upon Thomas G. Waring; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

THAT: Upon the occasion of the retirement of Professor Tom Waring from the faculty of Montana Tech of The University of Montana, the faculty wishes to express its appreciation for his years of dedication and valued service to the institution, the Departments of Environmental Engineering, Safety, Health and Industrial Hygiene, Biological Sciences, and the state of Montana by recommending the rank of Professor Emeritus be conferred upon him by the Board of Regents of the Montana University System.

 

EXPLANATION: Tom Waring earned his BA in Biology in 1966 from Clarion State College in Pennsylvania and received his PhD in Environmental Biology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970.

He came to Montana Tech in 1974 as Assistant Professor of Engineering Science and Biological Science and was promoted to Associate Professor in 1976 and to Professor in 1984. In 1977 the Department of Environmental Engineering & Biological Science was formed and Dr. Waring was a major factor in the initial development and to the success of the department. He served as Department Head from 1979-88 when he was promoted to Dean of Environmental Engineering and Natural Sciences Division. He also served as Director of the Graduate School for one year. In 1991 he was named Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research and subsequently Vice Chancellor at Montana Tech between 1991 and 1997. After his tenure as the Vice Chancellor of Montana Tech, he returned to the Environmental Engineering Department as Professor.

Tom Waring worked on small to very large projects in the U.S. and abroad. His experience covered corporate and governmental projects. He worked on media specific, air, water, soils, and re-vegetation based remediation as well as on broad based environmental policy and issues.

Dr. Waring has provided a unique mix of public service at the local, state and national levels. Tom has served on several boards, including the Montana Tech Foundation, Butte Local Development Corporation, Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of

Commerce, Rocky Mountain Association of Environmental Professionals, and the Butte Kiwanis Sunshine Camp. He is the past president of the Butte Kiwanis Club.

Dr. Waring has an outstanding scholarly activities record. He was the recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship for a visiting professorship at the Otago University in New Zealand. He received the AMOCO Foundation outstanding teacher award. He has always embraced varied teaching techniques including lectures, guest speakers, local field trips, films, videos, CD's, and internet. Tom has been involved with "service learning" and community projects since 1975.

Dr. Waring was the principle author and proponent of two MS degree programs--MS in Environmental Engineering and MS in Industrial Hygiene. Tom has received over $400,000 in instructional instruments for the Environmental Engineering Department and over $100,000 in direct student support.

Dr. Waring has remained active in research throughout his career. Tom has conducted his own research projects and provided valuable guidance and inspired many graduate students. Tom has been an active member of several professional organizations and served as the Vice President of the Montana Academy of Sciences.

With this recommendation we thank Dr. Waring for 30 years of outstanding service. Congratulations and best wishes for the future.