ITEM 127-1018-R0505
May 19-20, 2005
ITEM 127-1018-R0505:Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Philosophy Upon Burke Townsend; The University of Montana-Missoula
THAT:
Burke Townsend, in his 32nd year of dedicated service to The University of Montana, has merited the commendation of the Board of Regents of the Montana University System, and earned the title of Professor Emeritus of Philosophy.
EXPLANATION:
Dr. Burke Townsend taught two years at Montana State University, and then joined the faculty of the Philosophy Department at The University of Montana. During his first two years at The University of Montana, he completed his dissertation and thus his Ph.D degree at the University of Hawaii (1976). He then rose rapidly to the rank of Professor. In 1989, he taught a semester in the History and Philosophy of Science Program at the University of Indiana.
Professor Townsend's published scholarship has focused on the philosophy science, with a specialty in the philosophy of physics. In addition to the philosophy of science, Townsend has taught generations of students both basic and advanced logic, the history of modern philosophy, medical ethics, and ethics.
Townsend served, for ten years, with courage, intelligence, and good humor as the chair of the Philosophy Department. He also served as chair of the Faculty Senate; as President, Secretary, and Grievance officer for the University Teachers Union; and on numerous standing and special committees of the university. Off campus, Townsend has served on the Montana Committee for the Humanities, on the Executive Board of the Institute of Medicine and Humanities, on the Ethics Committee of St. Patrick Hospital, and on the Advisory Board of St. Patrick Hospital. In each of these venues, Townsend's good judgment and common sense was greatly valued by his colleagues.
The Department of Philosophy is pleased to recommend Professor Burke Townsend for Emeritus status.