William L. Brown (geneticist)

William Lacy Brown (July 16, 1913 – March 8, 1991) was an American geneticist notable for breeding programs in maize, sorghum, soybeans and wheat.[1][2] He was president, chairman and chief executive of Pioneer Hi-Bred International.[2] He was also a director of the Rockefeller Foundation's advisory committee on maize.[2] Brown was elected to the National Academies of Science.[2][3] The National Academies Press said that Brown "made significant and lasting contributions to increasing and stabilizing food production worldwide".[1]

Career and life

Brown received his Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis in 1941. For almost his entire career of 40 years, he was with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, one of the world's largest manufacturers of hybrid seed corn.[2]

Awards and distinctions

• Fellow, American Society of Agronomy, 1970
• Fellow, Iowa Academy of Science, 1970
• Fellow, Drake University, 1970
• Agronomic Service Award, American Society of Agronomy, 1979
• Distinguished Fellow, Iowa Academy of Science, 1980
• Distinguished Alumni Award, Bridgewater College, 1980
• Member, National Academy of Sciences, 1980
• Honorary Phi Beta Kappa, Drake University, 1981
• President, Crop Science Society of America, 1982
• Distinguished Economic Botanist, Society for Economic Botany, 1982
• Distinguished Alumni Award, Washington University in St. Louis, 1983
• Genetics and Plant Breeding Award for Industry, Crop Science Society of America, 1986
• Henry Shaw Medal, Missouri Botanical Garden, 1986
• Honorary D.Sc., Drake University, 1987
• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1989
• Honorary Ph.D., West Virginia University, 1989

References

1. National Academies Press:William L. Brown:By Donald N. Duvick
2. New York Times:William L. Brown, 77, Geneticist Who Led Crop Breeding Programs
3. Academy of Sciences Picks 59 Members and 12 Associates, April 27, 1980

External links

• National Academy of Sciences Biographical Memoir