The University of Montana Western is proud to announce that John and Phyllis Erb, Barb Malesich, and Shane Puyear have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Award for their remarkable contributions to UMW and the Dillon community. They will be honored during an awards dinner and ceremony on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in the Lewis and Clark Room of Mathews Hall at the University of Montana Western.
The Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Award honors Dr. Jane Helm Maddock, who served as a professor of English at UMW for 18 years. Upon her retirement, she was named Professor Emeritus of English by the Montana University System Board of Regents. During her tenure at UMW, she established both the Helm Honors Scholarship and the Helm Memorial Scholarship in memory of her parents. The service award named in her honor recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to both the university and the Dillon community.
Montana Western will also recognize five outstanding students for their service and civic engagement:
Kaylee Fritz – Montana Athletes in Service Award
Emmett Jeschke – George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Award
Raina Mortensen, Abigail McClaflin, and Katherine Bills – Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Student Service Award
The awards dinner and recognition ceremony will begin with a social at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in the Lewis and Clark Room of Mathews Hall at the University of Montana Western.
Tickets for the Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Awards Dinner can be purchased by contacting Kelly Allen at the UMW Foundation Office at 406-683-7306 by April 3, 2025. Tickets are priced at $30 per person.
John and Phyllis Erb
John and Phyllis Erb have made a significant impact on the Dillon community and the University of Montana Western. Their generosity and dedication to service have touched the lives of students, families, and community members in ways that will last for years to come.
The Erbs were instrumental in the success of the $16 million Experience One Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in Montana Western’s history. Their support played a key role in bringing the Sports & Activities Complex to fruition. Without their generous gift of land, an on-campus stadium would not have become a reality. Additionally, John and Phyllis have been steady supporters of UMW students through academic scholarships and program support.
Beyond the university, the Erbs have made a lasting impact as longtime ranchers in Beaverhead County. They have supported local public spaces, funded recreational opportunities for families, and worked to improve the overall quality of life in the community. Their contributions reflect their deep care and commitment to Dillon and its residents.
Their ongoing dedication to service and their generous spirit make them exceptional recipients of the Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Award. John and Phyllis truly embody the kindness, generosity, and community spirit that this award honors.
Barb Malesich
Barb Malesich grew up on a farm and ranch along the Smith River as the youngest of five children. She developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for agriculture through her 10 years as a 4-H member. After graduating from Cascade High School in 1972, she attended Montana State University for two years before working at the American Simmental Association headquarters in Bozeman. While at MSU, she met her husband, Ed, and they married in 1977. Barb returned to the family ranch, where she has been ever since, helping with daily operations and preparing meals for the crew during branding and calving seasons.
In addition to her work on the ranch, Barb dedicated 20 years to the Dillon elementary school hot lunch program, serving as head baker before retiring in 2011. A dedicated community member, she has served as a 4-H leader and helped organize Range Days. She also spent years teaching Sunday school.
Barb is an active member and past president of Chapter AD PEO, a philanthropic educational organization that supports women’s education worldwide. Her chapter provides scholarships to University of Montana Western students in need, and Barb has served on the fundraising committee for many years. She also plays a key role in the First Presbyterian Pastoral Care Team, visiting residents at the BeeHive assisted living facility and offering church services and communion. Additionally, she regularly visits elderly and homebound church members, bringing them comfort and companionship.
For the past nine years, Barb has helped organize and set up the Montana Western Rodeo Team’s silent auction, a major fundraising event that supports student-athletes. She looks forward to continuing her involvement again this year.
Barb and Ed have two children, Kolby and Kapri, and five grandchildren. She treasures time spent with her family, whether playing cards, camping, or traveling. She and Ed also enjoy camping and traveling the world.
Barb’s dedication to her community, education, and agriculture is truly inspiring, and her impact continues to be felt by many.
Shane Puyear
Born and raised in Dillon, Montana, Shane Puyear is a proud graduate of the University of Montana Western and a dedicated member of the community. His banking career began 25 years ago in Tualatin, Oregon, and over the years, he explored various professional opportunities in multiple states before ultimately returning to his hometown. Fourteen years ago, Shane joined Stockman Bank in Dillon, where he continues to serve and support local businesses and residents.
Beyond his professional career, Shane is deeply committed to public service and community involvement. He currently serves as the Vice Commander for Beaverhead Search and Rescue, playing a critical role in emergency response efforts. Additionally, he is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Barrett Hospital & Healthcare and a dedicated member of the Barrett Hospital Foundation. His past service also includes time as a board member for the Southwestern Montana Family YMCA.
Shane is a proud supporter of Montana Western ranging from athletics to academic programs. Through his employer, he started supporting the Montana Western Education Hall of Fame event many years ago because he has seen the impact of teachers first hand.
Shane and his wife, Lacie, have built a strong foundation in the Dillon community, raising their two sons, Parker and Paxton. Parker is currently a sophomore at Carroll College, while Paxton is a sophomore at Beaverhead County High School.
Shane’s leadership, commitment to service, and dedication to his hometown exemplify the spirit of the Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Award. His contributions continue to make a lasting impact on Montana Western and the greater Dillon community.
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