According to Montana historians Pierce Mullen, Robert Rydell, and Jeff Safford, Reid ensured the college's survival. The state legislature had not clearly defined roles for either the Bozeman campus or its rival in Missoula (now the University of Montana). The lack of mission and the internecine battles with Ryon undermined support for the college, but Reid's moral authority, his popularity as a speaker, and his steady leadership made the Agricultural College a "viable shadow" to the Missoula school. "He put State University on the right path," Mullen said.