Lee (Leola) Ellen Ford was born in Auburn, Indiana, in 1917. She received her B.A. (1947) from Wittenberg University; an M.S. (1949) from the University of Minnesota; a Ph.D in Cytogenetics and Botany (1952) from Iowa State University and a J.D. (1972) from the University of Notre Dame. Her scientific research focused on corn cytology and monoploids and revolutionized the progress and development of the hybrid corn industry.

Ford has led a varied life, and her employment has included business work and accounting for various corporations (1934-1944); Associate Professor of Biology (1950-1951) at Gustavus Adolphus College and Anderson College (1952-1955); visiting Professor of Biology (1955-1956) at the University of Alberta; Associate Professor of Biology (1956-1962) at Pacific Lutheran University; and Professor of Biology and Cytogenetics (1962-1964) at Mississippi State College for Women. She was also a faculty member (1965-1968, 1970) at Carson College (Nevada) and Dominican College (N.Y.). In addition, Dr. Ford was the chief cytogeneticist (1964-1965) for the Pacific Northwest Research Foundation and held the position of economist (1966-1968) for the Manpower Program in Nevada. In 1969 she accepted the job of Director of Research at the Institute of Basic Research in Mental Retardation in Staten Island, N.Y.

Ford was also the Director of the Canine Genetics Consultation Service (1963-1969); founder of the Companion Collie for Adult and Jr. Blind (1955-1965); and Director of the Genetics Research Laboratory (1955-1975) where she conducted research in the illnesses in dogs and rabbits and testicular tissue in humans.

After receiving her law degree and being admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1972, Dr. Ford was appointed as Executive Assistant to Otis Bowen, Governor of Indiana. She was responsible for minority rights issues particularly in regards for women and the handicapped and was a participant on numerous committees.

Finally, Dr. Ford's other accomplishments are those of owner, editor, and publisher (1972-1976) of the DeKalb Record-Herald and president of Ford Association Publishers (1972-1987). She currently resides in Butler, Indiana.

This collection (1992) contains seven volumes of photocopied materials, documenting the life and experiences of Lee Ellen Ford. These photocopies include correspondence, personal notes, financial records, and printed materials.

Of particular interest are Ford's discussions of her various "lives" in regards to education, science, working with guide dogs, and in the government and law. She also provides information concerning academia during the 1960s, women's studies programs in the 1980s and 1990s, and her family, which was based in Indiana.

Related materials are located at the Indiana Historical Society.