Dear Friends,

March is Women’s History Month, and to celebrate, each week I am sharing the story of Arkansas women who shaped our state and nation in powerful ways. Learning about these important leaders will help inspire the next generation of Arkansas women to change the world.

Encouraging young women to participate in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) is critical for Arkansas and the country. Empowering tomorrow's workforce with STEAM skills will help the United States continue to be a global leader in innovation and technology. On the final week of Women's History Month, I'm proud to recognize a trailblazing Arkansas woman who has inspired countless other women to pursue careers in STEAM: Dr. Mary L. Good.  

Dr. Good is a nationally acclaimed chemist who has worked academically in the field of industrial research and served under four U.S. Presidents in various appointed positions including as a member of the National Science Board. She was the first woman to lead this organization, which directs much of the government’s support for scientific research. Dr. Good would go on to pioneer the technology that is still used in 95% of oil production worldwide.

However, Dr. Good did not always want to be a chemist. At 15 years old, her mother dropped her off on the steps of the Teacher's College in Conway, Arkansas (now the University of Central Arkansas) where she originally aspired to become a home economics teacher. Luckily, during her first semester of college she met a professor who introduced her to chemistry. She discovered her love of science and engineering, especially experimenting in the laboratory. Dr. Good quickly changed her major to chemistry and graduated in 1950. Coming full circle, over the next seven decades, she would play the role of college professor at multiple universities, inspiring graduate students to solve challenging science problems that affect the way we live. After completing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Good received her PhD in 1955 from the University of Arkansas. She then moved to Baton Rouge to work for Louisiana State University.

When Dr. Good began her professional career in science, there were almost no other women in her field. She was able to thrive because of the lessons she learned as a child growing up in Kirby, Arkansas:  the value of hard work and independence, trying new things and learning for yourself.

Click on the picture above to watch a video honoring Dr. Mary Good from the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame.

In 1980, Dr. Good left the LSU system to join United Oil Products as vice president and director of research. She quickly made a name for herself and caught the attention of President Jimmy Carter and later, President Ronald Reagan who both appointed her to serve on the National Science Board. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush appointed her to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Later, President Bill Clinton would name her his Under Secretary for Technology in the Department of Commerce.

After her government service, Dr. Good returned to Little Rock where she has been a strong proponent of STEAM education and a supporter of women in technology. She believes the best way to bring more people into STEAM fields is for professors and teachers to take special care to encourage and mentor not only the best students, but also those who do not have the same advantages as the ones who might initially stand out.

Dr. Good continues to be a visionary in understanding and teaching others the importance of technology and serves as a trailblazer for many women pursuing a career in science.

Sincerely,