John Freemuth Papers, 1942-2020, bulk 1980-2020

Born in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, on June 19, 1950, to John Lincoln Freemuth and Doris Mae Ashmore, John Carter Freemuth was a professor, scholar, and expert on public lands. At a young age, his family relocated to the Bay Area of California. After graduating from Pomona College in 1972, he earned his Master's degree at Claremont Graduate School in 1975. In the decade that followed, John's careers included summers as a Park Ranger at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Interim Head Coach for Pomona's Cross Country team, EMT, and IRS Officer. Under the tutelage of Dr. Philip Foss, John earned his PhD from Colorado State University in 1986. He soon accepted a position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Boise State University in 1986. In 1987, John married Sheri Zumwalt. They had their first son, Kenton, in 1992 and their second son, Andrew, in 1997.

John's extensive research interests ranged from public land policy, sage-grouse, ecosystem management, national parks, forest and fire management, and the role of science within policy and politics. Many sought John for his expertise, which is reflected in the numerous conferences and speaking engagements he attended as well as his written accomplishments. From articles, chapters, and books, John created an impressive list of published works. His accomplishments were recognized by many as he was awarded a CASE Professor of the Year, a BSU Distinguished Professor, and the Cecil D. Andrus Endowed Chair of the Environment and Public Lands. John continued to be a professor at Boise State University until his death in 2020.