Montgomery Receives ASPB’s Gude Award

The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) has presented the 2022 Adolph E. Gude Jr. Award to Grinnell College’s recently appointed Dean of the College, Beronda Montgomery, for her achievements as a scholar, mentor, and communicator.

Montgomery, who is also the vice president for academic affairs, makes inspired use of plant biology metaphors for equity and engagement issues. Her work fosters the growth of the next generation of scientists by helping to create optimal environments and guide decision-making by multiple generations of individuals in our community.

Montgomery’s book, Lessons from Plants, along with her many articles, essays, and videos on planting equity and cultivating inclusivity and leadership, have contributed to the intellectual and academic advancement of individuals and groups in education and research. An outstanding plant biologist, Montgomery is an expert role model and mentor, lighting the path toward equity and inclusion in plant biology and beyond.

This monetary award honors the Gude family, whose members made the establishment of the Gude Plant Science Center possible. The award, established by the society and first given in 1983, is made triennially to a scientist or lay person in recognition of outstanding service to the science of plant biology.