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FOUR BLACK STUDENTS EARN MATH Ph.D.S AT OLE MISS: Number breaks record set by University of Maryland in 2000.
*Over the weekend, the University of Mississippi became the first American college or university to graduate four African-American students with doctorates in mathematics at one commencement, reports DiverseEducation.com.
“Producing four African-American graduates with doctorates in mathematics is unprecedented, with only the University of Maryland coming close, in 2000” with three, says Dr. Don Cole, associate professor of mathematics and assistant to the chancellor for multicultural affairs. “This event puts us on par with institutions such as Berkeley and Michigan.”
The four students receiving the degrees Saturday were Joe Anderson of Rosedale, Miss., Carla Cotwright of Los Angeles, Brian Williams of Missouri City, Texas, and Adrian Wilson of Jackson, Miss.
Dr. Tristan Denley, chair of the Department of Mathematics, called the graduation of all four students a “happy coincidence” and said they should be considered role models to other minority students.
“A lot of graduates have stayed in the state and have clearly made an impact,” he said, according to the Web site. “Given the geography and history of the state, there is a lot more to be done since we need people trained in the STEM disciplines.”
DiverseEducation.com notes that only 35 African-Americans earned doctorate degrees in mathematics in 2005, according to the Annual Survey of Mathematical Sciences conducted by the American Mathematical Society. In comparison, 48 Hispanic/Latinos, 384 Asian and 634 White students earned their math doctorate degrees.
The Ole Miss Four are currently in the process of applying or accepting tenure-track or post-doctoral positions at their alma mater and other institutions.
