BGSU alumna, trailblazer Betty Montgomery '70 receives honorary doctorate of public service

The former Ohio Attorney General graduated with her bachelor of arts from the University before launching her trailblazing public service career

Bowling Green State University awarded one of its most accomplished alumnae, former Ohio Attorney General Betty D. Montgomery '70, with an honorary doctorate degree during its Spring 2023 Commencement.

In her extensive law and public service career, Montgomery served the people of Ohio with distinction as attorney general.

“As a public university for the public good, BGSU is honored to recognize Ms. Montgomery — an incredibly deserving individual,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “As a longtime public servant of Ohio and a trailblazer for women in public service, Ms. Montgomery has demonstrated an unwavering determination to make her community a better place, exemplifying what it means to create public good.” 

Montgomery graduated from BGSU with a bachelor of arts in 1970 and went on to earn her law degree. She was the first woman elected attorney general in Ohio, serving from 1995 to 2003. During her time in office, she made significant contributions to public safety and criminal justice reform, including creating the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.

She also served as Wood County prosecutor (1981-89), during which she was the only female prosecuting attorney in the state; state senator for District 2 (1989-95); and was elected the first female Ohio auditor of state (2003-07). Montgomery served on the BGSU Board of Trustees, including tenure as chair.

She blazed a trail for women in public service on the national stage and was recognized for doing so in the 2023 documentary “Trailblazing Women in Ohio Politics,” which was produced by WBGU and BGSU political science professor Dr. Melissa K. Miller. 

In addition to her impressive public service career, Montgomery has been recognized for her leadership and commitment to her community. Her numerous awards and honors include being inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame (2000) and the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame (2007). 

Montgomery is an attorney at law at Mac Murray & Shuster and Montgomery Consulting Group, focusing her practice on helping clients understand and meet regulatory compliance obligations and representing them before state regulators across the country.  

She chairs the Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute, serves on the JobsOhio Beverage System Board and Capitol Square Foundation and is former president of the State Medical Board of Ohio.

Under her leadership as Board of Trustees chair, BGSU experienced strong enrollment growth, record fundraising and a physical rebirth of facilities, along with strategic gains in student success.