Statement about Biography
While we have attempted to ensure all information is accurate and as complete as possible, we are limited to what has been shared with us about Benton Maurice Stidd, what we know from his publications, and what has been published about him.
If you notice any errors or are aware of any additional professional or personal biographical information (including organizations, awards, hobbies) please add them in our Collection Forum or contact us to let us know.
Biography
Early Years and Education
Benton Maurice Stidd was born June 30, 1936 in Bloomington, Indiana, United States. Benton attended the Purdue University to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1958. After teach high school in Indiana for a few years, Benton Stidd became a master’s student of Dr. Gilbert Arthur Leisman at Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) in Emporia, Kansas. Benton worked on “Observations on the Structure of Spencerites moorei (Cridland) Leisman” for a 1963 masters in biology thesis. Which resulted in a presentation at a meeting and a journal article. Stidd then returned to high school teaching for a few more years before continuing on for his doctoral degree at University Illinois, which he received in 1968.
Stidd’s Thesis and Related Publications
Stidd, Benton Maurice, 1963. Observations on the Structure of Spencerites moorei (Cridland) Leisman: Emporia, Kansas, United States, Kansas State Teachers College [Emporia State University], M.S. (Masters). [SNOMNH_Pbot-00000386]
Leisman, Gilbert Arthur, and Stidd, Benton Maurice, 1967. Further Occurrences of Spencerites from the Middle Pennsylvanian of Kansas and Illinois: American Journal of Botany, v. 54, no. 3, p. 316-323. doi: 10.2307/2440760 [SNOMNH_Pbot-00000254] (link to our page on publication)
Leisman, Gilbert Arthur, and Stidd, Benton Maurice, 1977. Further Data on Sporangeostrobus kansanensis [Abstract]: Botanical Society of America Miscellaneous Series Publication v. 154, p. 39. [SNOMNH_Pbot-00000012]
For the complete list of Stidd’s publications see our compiled bibliography.
Research
Since his initial publications in graduate school Benton was a frequent contributor of articles to the American Journal Botany, Review of Paleobotany and Palynology, Science, Paleontology, as well as other publications regarding his research.
Teaching, Mentoring and Scholarship
After his bachelor’s degree, Stidd was a teacher at Wheatland High School in Indiana from 1958-1962. Then after his master’s degree he was a teacher at North Knox High School, in Edwardsport, Indiana from 1964-1965. After deciding to get his doctoral degree Dr. Stidd became assistant professor at the University Minnesota in Minneapolis from 1968-1970. In 1970, Stidd moved to the Illinois University in Macomb as a professor biology eventually rising to department chairman in 1980. Stidd’s tenure as departmental chair continued until his retirement in 1989.
Organizations and Affiliations
Throughout his career, Stidd was active in numerous scientific and professional organizations, attending as many meetings as he could. Organizations he was involved with or supported included the Botanical Society of America, the International Organization Paleobotany, the Society Systematic Biology, the Illinois Academy of Sciences and the International Society for History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Biology.
Honors and Awards
Benton was the recipient of numerous grants throughout his career. From the National Science Foundation he was a research grantee in 1974 and 1976 and an equipment grantee in 1986. In 1987, he received a grant from the United States Department Education, 1987. An the National Endowment of the Humanities in 1982 made him a Summer Institute grantee.
References on Stidd’s Life
Anonymous, unknown. Prabook: Benton Maurice Stidd URL: https://prabook.com/web/benton_maurice.stidd/69619
