Posted: Mar 25, 2019, 3:18 PM
Billy Montgomery added one more honor Saturday to an already impressive list when he was inducted into the Northwestern State University Long Purple Line, an award for outstanding achievement and service by an NSU grad.
Montgomery, who currently serves as special legislative, community and projects liaison for the Bossier Parish Police Jury, received his award during special ceremonies at the university in Natchitoches.
Joining Montgomery in the class of 2019 were Stewart Ewing of Monroe, Luther W. “Buddy” Lott and Patricia Pierson of Natchitoches and Thomas M. Wright of Houston.
Montgomery began his highly successful career as a coach and teacher at Haughton following his military service. He has been named to Halls of Fame by the Louisiana High School Coaches Association, Louisiana High School Basketball Coaches and Ark-La-Tex Sports Museum.
He was named Louisiana’s Mr. Basketball in 2009 and was recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential People in High School Sports.
An outstanding political career followed and he served 20 years in the state House of Representatives from 1988 until 2008. For his efforts, he was named to the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame. He was named “New Legislator of the Year” by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.
That was followed by the honor of “Distinguished Legislator” from the La. Association of Educators in 1989. He was the only individual to receive the International Police Award in 1990. Montgomery was named “A Leader of the Century by the Shreveport Times” in 2002. He was the only individual to receive the International Police Award in 1990.
He served as chairman of the House Legislative Services Council and was a member of the powerful House Ways and Means committee. He also served on 10 additional panels during his 20 years in the House including the Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay, the Juvenile Justice Commission and Ad Hoc Advisory Commission and the I-49 Extension Feasibility and Funding Task Force.
Montgomery received his BS from Northwestern in 1960 and his masters of supervision at NSU in 1966. He also did additional work toward his plus 30 at NSU.
