Gwen McClain Boyd, a Montgomery native who attended ASU on a four-year scholarship and graduated summa cum laude in 1977 with a major in mathematics and minors in physics and music, was among several national presidential appointments announced by the White House Monday.

Commenting on her nomination and those of nine others to different entities, President Obama said, "I am grateful that these fine individuals have chosen to serve in my administration. They will bring a depth of experience and valued perspective to their roles, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead." 

The Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation awards scholarships to high-achieving college students seeking careers in science, engineering and mathematics nationwide. It was created in 1986 to honor the late U.S. senator from Arizona.