By Brenda McDonald, MSU Communications Services
In addition to an outstanding photography program, MSU offers the nation's only master's degree in natural history filmmaking in partnership with the Discovery Channel.
People across Montana are singing the praises of President Gamble.
MSU provides opportunities for undergraduate research not found at other universities.
MSU's Native American students find support through initiatives such as the College of Nursing's Caring for Our Own Program and the College of Engineering's EMPower program.
Quarterback Travis Lulay led the Bobcats to their win over the Grizzlies and the 2002 Big Sky Championship.
Outstanding faculty members, like Kim Myers of the English department, share a love of teaching and a commitment to nurturing excellence in students.
Since Montana State University's founding in 1883, it's always been a "great time to be a Bobcat." Throughout the decades alumni have appreciated and valued their MSU education, professors have helped thousands of students succeed and there have been countless athletic victories, so why now, in 2003, is there a special spring in the step of alumni, students and faculty?
In a word, it's optimism. Like the trees leafing out on campus this spring, optimism is everywhere. It's manifesting itself in a "can do" spirit that's become infectious.
Who or what is responsible for the "can do" attitude on campus? It's an amalgamation. Some will point to the tenure of President Geoff Gamble, others to the host of academic honors that have come to students and faculty on campus, innovative programs or the record size of the incoming freshman class, and still others will point to coaches who have molded championship football and basketball teams.
"I think the institution turned a corner with Geoff. He started to shape things for the university," said Dave Johnson, '67 CE, '68 M, president-elect of the MSU Alumni Association. "I was in a meeting with Governor Martz recently and she was singing the praises of Gamble. I've heard many others say the same thing. People find it refreshing to see his business-like approach to running the university."
MSU Alumni Association executive director Jaynee Drange Groseth, '73 EdHE, '91 M, said that Gamble has inspired the campus community to believe in itself.
Johnson said that Gamble works well in the Legislature, and he's also seen by many as a consensus builder, trying to find solutions by working with all sides of an issue. "Plus, he's personable, he remembers people." Some say it's his charisma that makes people listen.
"It's a more positive environment on campus today," said MacKenzie Buus, '03, a senior in sociology. "One time Gamble invited orientation leaders and AdvoCats over to his house for dinner. He gave us a tour of his house and had dessert with us. He talked to us as people. That's the way he is. He doesn't talk down to students; he talks to them as young adults."
Frederica Lefthand, '96 MTA, '01 PR MSU-Billings, of the Caring for Our Own Program in the College of Nursing, said that campus diversity has become a focus under Gamble. "He wants MSU to be the Native American college of choice. He's showing our Native American students that he's for real."
Some of the newest diversity initiatives come from the College of Engineering, which has an assistant dean for undergraduate programs and diversity, and from the Office of Research which recently added an administrative position to enhance research opportunities for women and minorities. Also, MSU has a new Diversity Awareness Office. "There's lots of collaboration going on. Because of the support we offer Native American students, they now want to come here," said Lefthand.
Students overall are coming to MSU in record numbers. For fall 2002 MSU boasted a record enrollment of almost 12,000 students and the largest freshman class in the university's history.
And it happens one student at a time. Fred Quinn, '61 GS, who lives near Detroit, takes pride in the small roll he can play in recruiting students to MSU. "I spent a day at the local high school recruiting students. My wife and I manned a table and handed out brochures. I'm proud to tell people I went to school there."
Jon Iverson, a junior majoring in chemical engineering who has spent a lot of time recruiting for MSU, said that students are telling him they are choosing MSU because of its academic programs.
"We have some top ranked programs, the seventh largest nursing program in the nation, a world class photography program. Undergraduate research is also a big draw for students. A lot of schools won't allow undergraduate research. And students aren't just washing bottles in the labs; they're running experiments," Iverson said.
MSU has been ranked by the National Science Foundation as one of the top 100 research universities in the country.
"The level of research dollars we bring in is particularly impressive because we don't have a medical school and we are a land grant institution with a teaching focus," said Leslie Schmidt, director of the Office of Grants and Contracts at MSU. "Our $66.3 million in research expenditures is very high."
MSU women's basketball standout senior Jinnifer Jeresek, '03, said that it was MSU's academic integrity that brought her here, but it was the people that made her stay.
"The Bozeman community really cares about you," she said. "I know so many boosters; they come to our practices. They always want to know what's going on in your life and what you're going to do in the future. They are the greatest boosters, hands down.
"I've always known MSU was a high caliber institution, but it's only now that it's finally getting the credit it deserves," Jeresek said.
The boosters have been rewarded as well with the MSU women's basketball team this year capturing its second consecutive Big Sky Conference championship. The team was also in possession of a 23 game home court win streak until they lost to Sacramento State on March 1.
Tom White, '86 SpCm, is an attorney in Bozeman, a former MSU football player and a booster. He sees athletics as a picture window on the university.
"The better the successes, the larger the window. The institution is enhanced by its successes in athletics. People take a tremendous pride in athletics and it makes people want to talk about the university."
And talk they have, particularly with the football win on Nov. 23 that snapped MSU's 16 year series of losses to UM and the continuing successes of football coach Mike Kramer in his third year at MSU.
White said that Kramer is cementing a closeness between the community and his football players. "He lets people get to know his players. They started the fifth quarter after the home games, that's just a small example. The program has turned around. People are engaged with the coach because he's so outgoing," said White.
Groseth said that at MSU's recent Awards for Excellence banquet she was impressed, yet again, with the level of academic, community and university service that is achieved by students.
"I was further impressed by the fact that a warm and caring relationship had been developed between these students and outstanding faculty members, teachers and researchers who enjoy mentoring and encouraging students," she said. "While the university has grown immensely over the years, the personal touch and caring environment has remained central to the university community."
Jeresek says that MSU has prepared her well for the future.
"We have some of the best professors," she said. "They work with you and no task is impossible in their eyes, they never let you fail. The underlying goal here is to help you succeed. I only hope I can someday give back half of what they've given me."
Heidi Sherick, '92, '02 M, an assistant dean in the College of Engineering, sums it up with, "MSU is an outstanding institution from its students, to its faculty, from its outreach to its research to its location in beautiful Bozeman. MSU has big school opportunities in a small school atmosphere."
As current MSU Alumni Association president Dave Haas, '61 Physics, says, "It really is a great time to be a Bobcat, (and it always has been!)"