- Posted in All University
- Category: Campus News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. -- Lincoln University, America's first Historically Black University, ranks second among all colleges and universities in the nation in graduating African Americans with baccalaureate degrees in the physical sciences, according to a national survey.
The survey and resulting ranking are based on an analysis and review of 1999-2000 reports and data submitted by all higher education institutions to the U.S. Department of Education. In the analysis conducted by BLACK ISSUES IN HIGHER EDUCATION for the magazine's June 7, 2001 edition, Lincoln University granted bachelor's degrees in the physical sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) to 27 African Americans. Xavier University of Louisiana led the top-50 list with 60 such graduates. At Lincoln, physical science courses are taught by faculty in the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
"Lincoln University is very pleased to have achieved the national distinction of ranking second among all colleges and universities in the country in graduating African Americans with baccalaureate degrees in the physical sciences. When you consider that Lincoln has an enrollment of 1,850 students, that there are more than 3,500 institutions of higher education in the U.S. and that the number one university is twice the size of Lincoln, we cannot help but be extremely proud of this accomplishment. This recognition also is indicative of the fact that our small institution continues with the time-honored tradition of producing exemplary performances by our students and alumni. Of course, our ultimate goal is to be number one," said Lincoln's president, Dr. Ivory V. Nelson.
Dr. Nelson added: "Lincoln's outstanding Physical Science faculty members are to be commended for their longstanding commitment to academic excellence. It is the Lincoln Legacy in action."
President Nelson, who has achieved a national reputation for his distinguished leadership in higher education, is a trained scientist. He is listed among the world's top scientists.
The University also has several other national distinctions. Lincoln is ranked first in Pennsylvania in graduating African Americans with baccalaureate degrees in the physical sciences. Moreover, Lincoln is the only university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and one of but 20 universities nationwide where 40 percent or more of its physics graduates are women.
Founded in 1854 in Southern Chester County, Lincoln University is a nationally acclaimed institution of higher learning that provides the best elements of a liberal arts and sciences-based undergraduate core curriculum and selected graduate programs to meet the needs of students living in a highly technological and global society. During its 2000-2001 academic year, Lincoln enrolled 1,800 undergraduate and graduate students.
Besides its main campus, the University also operates the Lincoln University Urban Center in the City of Philadelphia for graduate students.
Lincoln University is the newest of the state-related universities, having joined the Commonwealth System of Higher Education in 1972. During its 147-year history, Lincoln University has educated an impressive list of luminaries who have distinguished themselves in many professions, including as doctors, lawyers, educators, businesspersons, entrepreneurs, literary figures, theologians, heads of state, political and military leaders. In providing leadership to their communities and professions worldwide, Lincoln University graduates also enjoy many "firsts."
- Lillian E. Fishburne, class of 1971, is the first African American woman ever promoted to the rank of rear admiral in the U.S. Navy. {Rear Admiral (ret.) Fishburne also served as the Commencement speaker and received an honorary degree in science from Lincoln on May 6, 2001.}
- Roy C. Nichols, class of 1941, was the first African American Bishop of the United Methodist Church.
- Kwame Nkrumah, class of 1939, was the first president of Ghana.
- Rev. James Robinson,*** class of 1935, was the founder of Crossroads Africa, which served as the model for the U.S. Peace Corps.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe, class of 1930, became Nigeria's first president.
- William Fontaine, class of 1930, was the first African American faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Thurgood Marshall, class of 1930, was the first African American Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Robert N.C. Nix, Sr., class of 1928, was Pennsylvania's first African American U.S. Congressman.
- Herbert Millen, class of 1910, was Pennsylvania's first African American judge.
- Harry W. Bass, class of 1886, was the first African American state legislator in Pennsylvania.
*** From 1963 to 1971, Lincoln University was used as a major site for preparing volunteers in the U.S. Peace Corps Training Program. Trained volunteers were assigned to such places as Tanzania, British Honduras (Belize), and the Eastern Caribbean. The first Lincoln-trained volunteers served in Liberia.