| I am proud
of The University of Montana. The accomplishments highlighted in this issue of Vision
leave no doubt as to the validity and depth of that statement. Inside are a few of many
examples of the dedicated individuals at the University who, through their noteworthy
accomplishments, make this institution an exciting, dynamic place where academic freedom
and research endeavors flourish. In fact, sponsored research has grown by nearly 25
percent in the last year. Research, teaching, and service are intertwined components of
academic life. This issue focuses on service. Make no mistake: While University service
positively impacts campus life, outreach activities stretch far beyond its borders. The
School of Education's TALES project, for example, takes technology into schools across
Montana. The School of Forestry's imaging technology played a major role in last summer's
fire management efforts. Additional research and expansion of this technology will play a
significant role in forming future fire management policy and practice across the nation.
The School of Pharmacy's Drug Information Hotline assists pharmacists and health-care
professionals. Existing partnerships with St. Patrick Hospital -- the International Heart
Institute, the Institute of Neuroscience and the Institute for Medicine and the Humanities
-- significantly impact the lives and well-being of Missoulians, as well as residents
across the state, nation and world, as demonstrated by the experiences described by one of
UM's graduate students from India.
In addition to these examples of research and teaching outreach, The University of
Montana plays a key role in cultural activities. Department of Music faculty work to
integrate American Indians from Fort Peck into Missoula's International Choral Festival,
and performances by the Montana Repertory Theatre and University Orchestra regularly
entertain Montanans.
While these examples describe the fluid and diverse activities undertaken at the
University, perhaps the most exciting and engaging fact is that each of these activities
enhances the student educational experience. Both graduate and undergraduate students
benefit immensely from exposure to instructors' research and service when these
experiences are integrated into classroom contact. Assistant biology Professor Doug Emlen
summarizes this relationship perfectly: "Research is a vehicle for my teaching."
I hope you enjoy this issue of Vision.
T. Lloyd Chesnut
Vice President for Research, Development and Graduate Studies |
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T. Lloyd Chesnut |
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