These Spartans opened doors at MSU

In 1907, Myrtle Craig Mowbray, then Myrtle Craig, walked across the stage at the graduation ceremonies of what was then Michigan Agricultural College and received her diploma from President Theodore Roosevelt, who was an honored guest. With the diploma, Mowbray became the first Black woman to graduate from what would eventually be named Michigan State University.

Mowbray is one of many trailblazers who became “firsts” for the Black community at MSU. From the school’s first Black football player to the first president of a major U.S. university, Spartans have made history at MSU for over a century.

This 50-year anniversary of Black History Month, MSU is celebrating with events throughout February.

William O. Thompson

William O. Thompson is the first known Black graduate of MSU, having completed his studies in 1904. Like many of his peers, Thompson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture.

Myrtle Craig Mowbray

In 1907, Myrtle Craig Mowbray became the first Black woman to graduate from MSU. She studied home economics and went on to a career in education. MSU President Jonathan Snyder praised her as a young woman “of more than ordinary ability, considerable dignity and good sense.” In 1990, Michigan State University established the Myrtle Craig Mowbray Scholarship in her honor.

Gideon Smith

Gideon Smith, who graduated from MSU in 1916, was the first Black football player at MSU and one of the first in the country. Smith went on to play football professionally as well. After serving in World War I, he joined the faculty of Hampton Institute in Virginia as football coach and professor of physical education for more than 30 years. He was named to the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992.

Everett C. Yates

In the class of 1916 with Smith, Everett C. Yates was the first Black member of the college cadet band and orchestra, where he was a percussionist in both ensembles. Yates went on to become a successful teacher, spreading his knowledge of music in schools across the country.

David W. D. Dickson

In 1948, David W.D. Dickson became the first Black faculty member at MSU when he was appointed to the English department, where he taught, among other courses, a class on the Bible as literature. Dickson taught at MSU for 15 years and would eventually become the president of Montclair State University in New Jersey.

Don Vest

A member of the class of 1952, Don Vest was the first Black cheerleader at MSU. He was also on the gymnastics team and a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Reginald Ayala

Reginald “Ricky” Ayala was the first Black player on the MSU men’s basketball team. After graduating in 1954 with a degree in hotel management, Ayala had a two-year stint with the Harlem Globetrotters. After his basketball days, Ayala served as the CEO of two Detroit-area hospitals over a 32-year career. Ayala was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1997.

William Harrison Pipes

While Dickson was the first Black faculty member at MSU, William Harrison Pipes, who was the first Black academic in the U.S. to earn a doctorate in speech, has the distinction of becoming the first Black faculty member to be granted full professorship at MSU in 1957. He remained with the university until his retirement in 1975.

Patty Burnette

In 1967, junior Patty Burnette became the first Black student to be crowned Miss MSU, which gave her the honor of representing the university at the Miss Michigan Pageant.

Clifton R. Wharton Jr.

Appointed in January 1970, Clifton R. Wharton Jr. was the first Black president of a major U.S. university. Wharton, who achieved many firsts, was a trailblazer in education, business and beyond. Read more about his legacy.

Robert L. Green

Robert L. Green was appointed dean of the College of Urban Development when it was created in 1972, making him the first Black dean at MSU. While at MSU, he helped push for affirmative action hiring programs and was an outspoken civil rights activist. He worked to challenge housing segregation in East Lansing and, today, Robert Green Elementary School in the city bears his name.

Merritt Norvell

Appointed in 1995 and serving through 1999, Merritt Norvell was MSU’s first Black director of athletics and the first Black athletic director in the Big Ten. Norvell oversaw legendary coaches during his tenure, including Tom Izzo and Ron Mason.

Please share your stories and reflections about Black History Month at MSU. Email inclusion@msu.edu.