Montana State to award posthumous honorary doctorate to Elizabeth ‘Betty’ McCoy at spring commencement

BOZEMAN - Montana State University will recognize Elizabeth "Betty" McCoy, a longtime leader of Montana 4-H, with a posthumous honorary doctorate during the university's spring commencement.

Honorary doctorates are the university's highest form of commendation. They are conferred upon individuals who have excelled and made outstanding contributions to society. MSU's spring commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, May 8, at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. The Montana University System Board of Regents approved the honorary degree for McCoy today.

Cody Stone, executive director of MSU Extension, wrote in a letter nominating McCoy for the award that she demonstrated "extraordinary commitment" to the university's land-grant mission through her work at MSU Extension and dedicated service to 4-H youth development. McCoy died in June of 2025.

"Though she is no longer with us, Betty's legacy continues to profoundly impact Montana and embodies the very ideals our institution seeks to recognize through this distinguished honor," Stone wrote.

McCoy, who was born in Great Falls and raised on a farm and ranch near Belt, graduated from MSU with a bachelor's degree in 1967 and a master's degree in 1972, both in home economics. She served as a state 4-H specialist from 1978 to 1988 with responsibilities in curriculum development, volunteer management and volunteer leadership. She became the 4-H program leader in 1988 and served from 1988 until her retirement in 2004. In that role, McCoy's innovative leadership and vision led to the development, implementation and evaluation of statewide 4-H youth development programs. She also worked to keep the program locally relevant by guiding the Montana Extension Advisory Council - Youth Subcommittee, the Montana 4-H Leaders' Council, the Montanans for 4-H Legislative Group and the Montana 4-H Foundation Board of Directors.

Importantly, McCoy was instrumental in guiding the transition from the State 4-H Office to the Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development through the university approval process and the MUS Board of Regents. The center was approved in 2002.

Among other honors, in 2018 McCoy was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. She received the National Outstanding International 4-H Youth Exchange Award in 2000, the MSU Extension 4-H Agents Mid-Career Award in 1989, the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals Distinguished Service Award in 1984, and recognition as one of the Outstanding Young Women of America in 1970 and 1978. She also received MSU's prestigious Blue and Gold award in 2024 for giving a lifetime of service and bringing international distinction to MSU.

"Awarding this honorary degree posthumously would not only honor Betty's remarkable contributions but also affirm MSU's commitment to recognizing those whose work transcends their lifetime, shaping generations to come," Stone wrote.

During her career, McCoy served on several 4-H and Extension boards, including the National 4-H Council board of trustees, the National 4-H Congress planning team, the International Program Review Team and the Executive Institute for Fund Development. McCoy also served as an International 4-H Exchange delegate to Venezuela and authored a book, "Past, Present and Possibilities: Exploring the 100 Years of Montana 4-H 1912-2012."

"A friend of mine said that 4-H is all about experiences and relationship," wrote McCoy on the occasion of her induction into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. "Over the many years of being involved with 4-H, I've come to see the wisdom of that simple statement. The club is the classroom where skills are learned, and the projects are the laboratories where they are developed and practiced. The activities and events associated with 4-H are extracurricular opportunities allowing for skills to be tested and sharpened into habits. What a wonderful educational model!"

In a letter supporting McCoy's nomination for the honorary doctorate, associate director of the Western Rural Development Center James Lindstrom wrote, "Betty's strength was based in her storytelling, listening to others, sharing her own experiences and connecting various narratives to solve problems, build partnerships and facilitate learning. Her quiet leadership provided lasting and meaningful mentorship to me and countless others. I continue to draw on the lessons and guidance from Betty McCoy as I make decisions to engage faculty and communities."

Beyond her professional excellence, McCoy was known for her passion. She earned the trust of youth and adults across the state and the admiration of peers across the country through her dedicated service.

"She was inclusive, a true builder of educational programs and opportunities, a team player and one known for her ability to enhance lifelong learning opportunities for herself and those around her," wrote Dave Phillips, a retired MSU Extension agent and regional department head, in a letter supporting her nomination.

The continued impact of McCoy's work is a living testament to her enduring influence, Stone wrote.

"Betty's early life was filled with 4-H projects, fairs and ribbons," wrote Carrie Ashe, associate director of MSU Extension, in another letter supporting her nomination. "Later she traveled to Venezuela, and her interactions with youth there gave her a huge respect for the abilities of youth to take on leadership roles. Betty's participation in 4-H throughout her own youth set her course as a teacher - not in a school, but through MSU Extension and Montana 4-H."

For more information about MSU's spring commencement, visit montana.edu/commencement.