Here is a draft news article about Dr. Marguerite Ross Barnett, the first Black woman president of a major research university:
The Story Of Dr. Marguerite Ross Barnett – The First Black Woman To Be President Of A Major Research University: University of Houston
In 1990, Dr. Marguerite Ross Barnett shattered barriers when she was appointed president of the University of Houston (UH), becoming the first Black woman to lead a major research university in the United States.
Though a trailblazer, Barnett steered discussion away from her identity and focused squarely on elevating UH as a premier institution serving the Houston community.
Esteemed Political Scientist Forges Path in Higher Ed Leadership
Born in 1942 in Charlottesville, Virginia, Barnett initially pursued science before developing a passion for political science. She earned a PhD in the subject from the University of Chicago, where she also met her husband Stephen Barnett.
Barnett then built an illustrious academic career, lecturing at UC Chicago and Princeton before chairing Howard University’s Political Science department. She served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in the City University of New York and Chancellor of the University of Missouri-St. Louis prior to arriving at UH.
Directs Spotlight to University Growth, Fundraising and Research
When asked about being UH’s first woman and Black president, Barnett famously deflected: “Well, how does it feel to be the first red-haired associate vice president of the university?”
Instead, she used her platform to espouse the critical role of urban universities in economic and social progress. Barnett spearheaded over $150 million in fundraising during her brief tenure, elevating the school’s research profile.
Leaves Enduring Legacy Serving Houston Community
True to her vision, Barnett implemented various outreach initiatives, including college access programs for disadvantaged high school students. She strengthened town-gown relationships while positioning UH as an anchor institution for the region.
Though she passed away in 1994 at just 49 years old, Marguerite Ross Barnett’s brief but brilliant leadership broke barriers while serving the University of Houston community. The pioneering president remains an inspiration today.
