Myrtle "Ma" Brown worked for the Northwest School of Agriculture and UMC from 1954 to 1970 as food service supervisor and instructor. Her primary responsibilities included dietetics, food service manager, and unofficially, counselor.

Mrs. Brown completed her undergraduate training at the Bemidji State Teachers College. After teaching in the public schools for a number of years and receiving her Lifetime Certificate, she established the Brown's Cafe at Ortonville which she operated successfully for nine years.

Myrtle Brown was known for her management skills in food service menu planning and staff relations. Her demonstrated concern for each student relationship led to her becoming affectionately known as "Ma" Brown.

In 1975, she recieved the Top Aggie award from the Northwest School of Agriculture Alumni Association, an award which has been presented to only 15 staff members in the NWSA's 62-year history