William Marcus, former director of the University of Montana’s Broadcast Media Center, is set to receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters, as announced by UM. Marcus began his broadcasting career at KUFM campus radio station and spent his entire professional life at UM from 1975 to 2015, after graduating with a journalism/radio-TV degree in 1974.
Marcus held various roles at Montana Public Radio, such as production assistant, news director, and station manager, contributing stories on Montana musicians and artists to national platforms like “NPR Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.” Described as “a Montana treasure” and “legendary,” Marcus will be honored during UM’s fall commencement on Dec. 13, where he will also speak.
Marcus expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m deeply honored to receive UM’s highest recognition.” He collaborated with Jack Hyyppa of Montana State University to establish Montana PBS television, strengthening the UM-MSU partnership. Marcus also hosted “Backroads of Montana,” a travelogue show on Montana PBS, from 1991 to 2021, with episodes still airing.
Ray Ekness, former Broadcast Media Center director, noted Marcus’s continued recognition for his contributions. Under Marcus’s leadership, numerous award-winning productions were created, including “Charlie Russell’s Old West” and “The Bicycle Corps: America’s Black Army on Wheels.” Marcus received the Montana Governor’s Humanities Award in 2007 and the Missoula Cultural Council’s Cultural Achievement Award in 2015.
During his tenure, Marcus managed Montana political debates and election coverage. He remains active with MTPR’s “Morning Classics” and assists during fundraising pledge weeks.
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