Agriculture graduate Clemon Montgomery recently joined the ranks of Sam Houston State's cream of the crop. Montgomery was honored by the Sam Houston State University Alumni Association as a Distinguished Alumnus at 2000 Homecoming Festivities. The award is presented to those individuals who have distinguished themselves as national or international leaders in their professional lives.

Montgomery earned his bachelor of science in agriculture degree in 1950 and his master of education degree in 1958. After serving as an instructor for the Veterans On-The-Farm-Training Program, he was named Area Supervisor of Vocational Agriculture in the West Texas Region. Next he was called to Austin as Executive Secretary of the FFA at the Texas Department of Education. He then worked for a short time in the private sector before being appointed chief deputy to the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, serving in that position for 10 years.

Montgomery has received numerous awards for his public service and his commitment to improving agriculture and support of the youth involved in agricultural programs. In 1997, he became the first recipient of the FFA Hall of Fame Award. Montgomery has served on many boards in presidential or directorship capacities and though officially retired, he stays busy serving as board president of Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance. He continues to be involved in various civic and humanitarian affairs in the Fredricksburg area, where he and his wife Carolyn now call home.

Clemon Montgomery has always been a strong supporter of his alma mater and we are extremely proud to call him one of our own. Being named Distinguished Alumnus is the highest honor bestowed upon a graduate of Sam Houston State University. Our congratulations are extended to Clemon and his family. It is richly deserved.