Dr. Dudley W. Woodward was born in Galveston, Texas on October 3, 1881, to a supportive family, in the midst of racial discrimination throughout his educational journey. He earned his Bachelor’s of Arts and Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from Wilberforce University in Ohio. Then his Masters of Science in Mathematics from the University of Chicago. Next, he worked towards his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, becoming the second person of African American to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics, second to his mentor, Elbert Frank Cox. His numerous degrees and notoriety as a scholar, allowed him to be among the gifted mathematicians in the nation.

During his career, he published three papers, the second of which is believed to be the first paper published in an international accredited mathematics journal by an African American. He was a collegiate level professor of mathematics at prestigious schools including Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, the University of Chicago, and Howard University eventually becoming the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Woodard’s career flourished at Howard, where he devoted his professional life to the promotion of excellence in mathematics by serving as a respected mathematician, professor, and mentor to his students. He established a mathematics graduate program, gathered the support for a mathematics library, sponsored both visiting professorships and seminars.

In his personal life, Dr. Woodward was known as a man of high intelligence and dignity, often using the phrase, “Black is beautiful”, resisting segregated barriers of restrooms, theatres, restaurants, and housing. He retired in 1947 after holding the title of chairman of the department, steadily advancing Howard’s mathematics program. Dr. Woodward passed on July 1, 1965, but against all odds he became an African American pioneer in the field of mathematics, leaving behind his mark as a Black STEAMer.

Sources:

http://www.math.buffalo.edu/mad/PEEPS/woodard_dudleyw.html
http://www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/features/aframer/math.html

Dudley Weldon Woodard: Respected Mathematician, Professor, Mentor at Howard University

http://www.myblackhistory.net/Dudley_Woodard.htm

If you or someone you know is eligible, apply for the Bison STEM Scholars Program for high-achieving high school students! https://www2.howard.edu/scholarships/bison-stem-scholars

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