| Pamela
J. Hill, MSU's Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, died
July 11 following a battle with cancer. |
| "Pamela's
energy, enthusiasm and optimism will be sorely missed,"
said MSU President Geoff Gamble. "All who knew and worked
with Pamela, admired, respected and loved her. Higher
education in Montana will be diminished by her absence."
|
| Born
in California, raised in Lincoln, Neb., and a graduate
in architecture of the University of Idaho, Hill earned
a master's degree in architecture from the University
of Washington in 1986. |
| Shortly
after, she began her MSU career as an assistant professor
of architecture. Promotions to associate professor and
full professor followed in 1992 and 2000. |
| Cecilia
Vaniman, '78 Arch, a friend and fellow architect,
said Hill succeeded in architecture at a time when there
were few women in the field. She taught students about
the practical sides of being an architect, such as negotiating
between owners and contractors. |
| Former
students remember Hill for her devotion and her inspiration
to women students. |
| A
gifted teacher, she explored the relationship between
educational theory and the practice of architecture. Her
commitment to her students extended beyond the classroom
walls for she was known to be a teacher, mentor, colleague,
advocate and friend. She believed strongly in the value
of higher education and life-long learning. |
| Hill
was also an early leader in the development of computer
applications in architecture. A strong interest in women's
issues, coupled with her sensitivity to architectural
design led to her exploration of the critical professional
issues of gender and cultural equity. |
| In
1997, Hill joined the Provost's Office as Assistant Vice
Provost for Academic Affairs. In May 2000 she was appointed
Vice Provost for Outreach and Director of Summer Session.
She chaired the university's self-study for its 1999 accreditation
process and was the accreditation liaison officer for
MSU to the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.
Most recently, she had spearheaded a move to expand and
improve MSU's summer session. She also co-chaired the
Recruitment and Retention Task Force, oversaw a review
of Extended Studies, and helped to develop policies for
distance education. |
| At
the time of her death, Hill was pursuing a doctorate in
educational administration from the University of Nebraska. |
| Hill
is survived by children Casey and Jesse Bancroft, stepdaughter
Hollis Bancroft Enserro, a grandson, brother and many
friends. |
| The
family suggests that those who wish may make memorials
to the Pamela J. Hill Scholarship for Women in Architecture
in care of the MSU Foundation, 1501 11th Ave., Bozeman,
59717. |
