The University of Montana Field Notes Magazine – Crown of the Continent Initiative

Its address may be Missoula, but The University of Montana’s home is in every community across Big Sky Country. And in our mountain and prairie towns, as well as the surrounding landscapes, opportunities to study the state’s physical makeup, ecology, history, and culture, as well prospects for research and sharing science in the public interest, are seemingly endless.

In 2008, the University, through its newly created Crown of the Continent Initiative, commenced publishing an electronic magazine focusing on that particular ecosystem. These colorful publications have become hugely popular.

Since the inception of the Crown E-Magazine, many other possibilities derived from The University of Montana’s work throughout the state have arisen and have led to the inception of a second series of electronic publications – Montana Field Notes.

Although the Crown of the Continent is indeed an incredible corner of the planet, so too are Montana’s other pieces of geography. Our mountains match any in the west, and our prairie topography is unequaled. Montana Field Notes, published twice per academic year, will travel the University’s home ground, presenting articles that students and faculty have penned about their work beyond the classroom throughout the state.

While Montana Field Notes will showcase a magnificent landscape, it will also communicate the strategic plan The University of Montana has embarked on. "The University of Montana 2020: Building a University for the Global Century" sets forth the University’s major directions for the next decade. The second issue of Montana Field Notes, to be released in Autumn 2011, will begin outlining this program and all it entails.

The University of Montana is entering an exciting era, and I feel it is important that all Montanans and University of Montana alumni everywhere know of the grand opportunities available for our students at "their" university through its fortunate location in this place often referred to as "High Wide and Handsome" – Montana!

Royce C. Engstrom
President
The University of Montana

Read the full issue online http://www.alumniconnections.com/links/link.cgi?l=2322176&h=123250&e=UMO-20110706180733