ATLANTA – Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice has made history. The natural born leader has been appointed the new president of Morehouse School of Medicine – the nation’s first African-American woman to lead a free-standing medical school.

And when you consider the under-representation of Black women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, Montgomery’s selection is a remarkable accomplishment.

But for those who have followed her impressive career it does not come as a surprise. The Macon, Georgia, native has an outstanding resume.

When asked about the secret of her success the Harvard-educated obstetrician and gynecologist says in no uncertain terms that it is her “passion.” She adds, “The one thing I have always been fortunate to have is passion.”