June 11, 2020
The University of Montana Western and Dillon area community was saddened by the recent news of the passing of Dr. Jane Helm Maddock.
Dr. Maddock taught for 17 years at Montana Western and was recognized as Professor Emeritus of English upon her retirement by the Board of Regents of the Montana University System. During her time at UMW, she established the Helm Honors Scholarship and the Helm Memorial Scholarship in memory of her parents.
One of Montana Western’s most prestigious awards is the Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Award presented annually to those individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of Jane.
Dr. Maddock completed her bachelor’s degree, with distinction, in English at Stanford University, her M.Ed. at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, and her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in English at the University of Utah. She joined the faculty at Western in 1986 as Assistant Professor and Director of the American Studies Program.
Throughout her career at the University of Montana Western, Dr. Jane Maddock served UMW and the community with distinction. Her dedicated service earned her the respect of her students, colleagues and professional associates.
“The impact that Dr. Maddock had on Montana Western is profound. Our Honors Program would not exist without her vision to establish it during her time here. Jane was a strong proponent for education and felt it was a privilege to help make education possible for students by establishing two scholarship funds to assist them. She was a dear friend to many in our community and will be deeply missed. Her legacy will forever be written in Montana history with her philanthropic support and visionary leadership,” said Montana Western Foundation Director, Roxanne Engellant.
At her family’s direction, gifts in memory of Jane can be made to her scholarships housed at the Montana Western Foundation. To learn more about her scholarships and donate, visit the UMW Foundation website.
