University of Montana

The University of Montana appears in Thomas Savage’s biography as an early stage in his education, linking his Montana ranch-country upbringing with his later pursuit of writing. The available account identifies his studies there but gives no further institutional history or details about his coursework.

Savage’s Studies

After graduating from Beaverhead County High School, Savage studied writing at the University of Montana for two years. His education took place within a life still closely tied to ranch work: he later broke horses and herded sheep in Montana and Idaho, and his family background was in sheep ranching.

A Step Toward a Writing Career

Savage’s time at the university preceded a change in direction prompted by publication. In 1937, Coronet published his article on horse-breaking; he then enrolled at Colby College in Maine to study English. The University of Montana therefore marks an early point in the educational and vocational path that carried him from ranch labor toward a career as a novelist.