Microsoft Adds IBM Research Vet To Board Of Directors

Klawe brings deep academic experience in mathematics, engineering and computer science to Microsoft's board. Since 2006, Klawe has been president of Claremont, Calif.-based Harvey Mudd College. Prior to that, she spent three years as dean of engineering and professor of computer science at Princeton University, and four years in various computer-science-related positions at the University of British Columbia.

"Maria has made significant research contributions to computer science and mathematics, and we are very fortunate to have her join Microsoft's board of directors," Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said in a statement. "In particular, I think her close connection to university students and the way they shape computing trends will bring an important perspective to the board."

Klawe has led numerous efforts to increase the participation of women in computing. In addition to being the first woman to serve on the board of the Computing Research Association, Klawe also co-founded the CRA Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Rsearch.

"The underrepresentation of women in the fields of science and engineering is one of the critical issues facing the computing industry," Klawe said in a statement. "Microsoft has been active and focused in helping to address this challenge, and I'm looking forward to helping the company continue to make progress on this important issue."

Microsoft's board of directors on Monday also declared a quarterly dividend of 13 cents per share, which is payable June 18, 2009, to shareholders of record on May 21, 2009. The ex-dividend date will be May 19, 2009.