Ford, Lee Ellen

Scientist, lawyer. Lee (Leola) Ellen Ford was born in Auburn, Indiana in 1917. She received her B.A. (1947) from Wittenberg University; an M.S. (1949) from the University of Minnesota; a Ph. D. (1952) in Cytogenetics and Botany from Iowa State University; and a J.D. (1972) from the University of Notre Dame. Her scientific research focused on corn cytology and monoploids and had a direct impact on the progress and development of the hybrid corn industry.

Ford has led a varied life, and her positions have included professorships at Gustavus Adolphus College, Anderson College, University of Alberta, Pacific Lutheran University, and the Mississippi State College for Women. She also worked with training guide dogs for the blind, and after receiving her law degree, was appointed Executive Assistant to Otis Bowen, the Governor of Indiana.