William L. Brown (geneticist)

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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 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, 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[]

External links[]

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