Year Inducted: 1996
Comments from several women science faculty members at KU illustrate Sally Frost-Mason's dedication and excellence in science education, as well as the strong impact she has had on their respective careers. "She has always seemed to be the 'voice of reason' during those episodes when others are acting unreasonably, and her arguments are tough to defeat. She has been a stalwart defender of the place of women in science..." Indeed, an award in her name is awarded annually to an outstanding woman in science student at the University of Kansas. Dr. Robert Palazzo, former Chairperson of Physiology & Cell Biology, states "she is a woman of considerable energy, creativity and commitment, who has demonstrated a strong sense of service to her community." She retains a national and international reputation in the research field involving animal pigmentation and early development of embryos. She was elected as President of the American Pigment Cell Society and in 1996 organized the Pan American Pigment Cell Society meeting held in Kansas City. Her awards, honors, publications, and paper presentations are prolific. In addition to her research agenda, Sally Frost-Mason served as Associate Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics from 1990-1995, and then served as Acting Dean of College of Liberal Arts & Sciences from 1995-1996, both aat the University of Kansas.
Dr. Frost-Mason's commitment to the university community is enhanced by her dedication to education. Dr. Palazzo also commented, "Her graduate students have stated she has played a key role in their success, both through the mentoring process and in assisting them beyond graduation...Her teaching evaluations have been among the best in the department and she is dearly loved by her students." She was named as a finalist for the Hope Award twice and received the J. Michael Young Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor in 1995. As an extension of her dedication to teaching, she helps foster potential KU students and encourages their interest in science. Barbara Anthony-Twarog, Professor of Physics & Astronomy, stated she "gives encouragement and guidance to would-be scientists in grade schools in tiny Kansas towns." Dr. Frost-Mason also cultivated and inspired her colleagues at the University. As Nancy Kinnersley, Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, stated, "[Her] accomplishments, by themselves, are sufficient to demonstrate her importance as a role model. However, for many of us she has, in more personal ways, had a profound impact on our careers and our lives."
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