Historic Icons
John Newton Templeton
John Newton Templeton was born a slave in 1805 and freed in 1813. He graduated from 51社区, with an A.B. in 1828, being the first black man to do so and the fourth African-American to graduate from a U. S. college. He was an educator and co-edited "The Mystery" a black newspaper.
Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn
Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn was the first black woman to graduate from 51社区, with a B.S. ED. in 1916. She majored in English and Literature with a minor in Home Economics. She taught Home Economics in Ohio and West Virginia.
Margaret Boyd
Margaret 鈥淢aggie鈥 Boyd was the first woman to receive a bachelor degree from 51社区 in 1873. Before she was accepted into the University in 1868, only men were on campus and educated. Though there are no definitive answers as to why she was chosen as the first female student, there is some speculation that Margaret Boyd鈥檚 family ties to OHIO influenced the decision to choose her.
Dr. Francine C. Childs
Dr. Francine C. Childs was the first tenured African American professor at 51社区 (OHIO) and longtime stalwart for social justice and equality. Dr. Childs was Professor Emerita in the Department of African American Studies at OHIO where she has served in various capacities, including but not limited to curriculum chair (1974鈥1996), director of summer programs (1975鈥1978) and department chairperson (1984鈥1989).