Dr. Frances Haemmerlie Montgomery, Curators’ Teaching Professor of psychology and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Missouri-Rolla, was named the 2005 Woman of the Year at UMR Tuesday, April 19, during the campus’ annual Woman of the Year luncheon.

Dr. Frances Haemmerlie Montgomery, UMR’s 2005 Woman of the Year

Provost Y.T. Shah presented the award, which is sponsored by the chancellor’s office to recognize an outstanding female faculty member who has helped improve the campus climate for women and has served as a role model for other faculty and students through her research, scholarship and service. Nominations were submitted from the campus, and a subcommittee reviewed the nominations, selecting Montgomery as this year’s recipient.

This is the ninth year for the award, which is funded by UMR graduate Cynthia Tang, the founder of Insight Industries Inc. of Platteville, Wis., and a past president of the UMR Board of Trustees. Last year’s winner was Dr. Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe, associate professor of geology and geophysics.

Montgomery joined the UMR faculty in 1978 as an assistant professor of psychology. She holds a Ph.D. and a master of science degree in clinical psychology from Florida State University, as well as a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Florida.

Montgomery is known for her research into the roles of women in society and finding effective ways of getting people to recognize and change maladaptive attitudes, feelings and behaviors.

Montgomery also is known for mentoring UMR students. "Throughout the nomination process (for the Woman of the Year Award), Dr. Montgomery was noted as a true role model for all current and future UMR students," Shah says. Among the comments in support of Montgomery was one from a past student who commended the professor for "reaching out to her students in a way to not only be their teacher, but their friend."

Another student stressed the level of effort Montgomery puts into preparation for class. "Her effort is quite evident."

A colleague noted, "Although she has numerous duties as an associate dean, Dr. Montgomery makes teaching an integral part of her life."

During the awards luncheon, Shah praised Montgomery’s teaching abilities and noted her numerous awards and honors, including 10 Outstanding Teaching Awards, eight faculty excellence awards, the UMR Amoco Teaching Award and the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The Woman of the Year Luncheon also included a keynote speech by Dr. Pamela McCauley-Bell, associate professor of industrial engineering and management systems at the University of Central Florida.