June
15, 2001
Lincoln
University Ranks Second in Nation in Graduating African
Americans with Baccalaureate Degrees in the Physical Sciences,
Says National Survey
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY -- 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. |
