May 19-20, 2005

 

ITEM 127-1017-R0505��������������� Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Philosophy Upon Thomas P. Huff; The University of Montana-Missoula

 

THAT:�������������������������������������� Thomas P. Huff, after thirty-eight years of dedicated service to The University of Montana, has merited the commendation of the Board of Regents of the Montana University System and has earned the title of Professor of Philosophy Emeritus.

 

EXPLANATION:����������������������� After receiving a Ph.D. in philosophy from Rice University, Tom began what proved to be a long and distinguished career with the Department of Philosophy at The University of Montana.� Focusing on political and legal philosophy, Tom also taught halftime at the Law School for twenty-two years.� His research and publications lay at the intersections of law and philosophy and were primarily concerned with constitutional rights.

 

A highly successful and influential teacher, Tom was twice awarded the University�s Outstanding Teacher award.� His connections to the law led him to serve for more than twenty-five years as the coordinator for pre-law advising, for which service he also earned the University�s Outstanding Advisor award.

 

Tom was a generous and effective contributor to campus service.� As well as serving as chair of the department for eight years, he served also on the Faculty Senate and its Executive Committee, as Grievance Officer for the Faculty Association, and for twenty-two years as chair of the Erasmus Scholarship Committee.� Notably, Tom saw four UM students win Rhodes Scholarships during the sixteen years he served as the campus Rhodes Advisor.� Following his campus Rhodes work, Tom served for eighteen years as the Montana State Secretary for the Rhodes Scholarship.

 

The Department of Philosophy is honored to recommend for Emeritus status Professor Thomas P. Huff, a loved and respected colleague and teacher who has constituted a central pillar of our department for thirty-eight years.