Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III, Ph.D.

Visionary Educator & Champion of STEM Diversity

Early Life & Education

1950

Born in Birmingham, Alabama

Future leader and education pioneer enters the world

1962

Civil Rights Activism

At age 12, participated in the Children's Crusade, demonstrating early courage and commitment to social justice

1969

Hampton University

Earned B.S. in Mathematics at age 19

1970s

University of Illinois

Completed M.S. and Ph.D. in Mathematics at Urbana-Champaign

Transformative Leadership

UMBC Presidency (1992-2022)

Transformed UMBC into a national model for undergraduate innovation and inclusive excellence in STEM education

Meyerhoff Scholars Program

Founded in 1988, became a national model for supporting minority students in STEM, dramatically increasing Ph.D. pursuit

Notable Honors

TIME 100

Named one of the '100 Most Influential People in the World' (2012)

Presidential Award

Received Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring Award...

America's Best Leaders

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report

National Leadership

Served on the National Science Board and numerous national committees

Lasting Impact

  • Dramatically increased minority representation in STEM fields
  • Pioneered new approaches to undergraduate education and student success
  • Created replicable models for inclusive excellence in higher education

"Believe in yourself, but also have the courage to be honest with yourself."

- Dr. Freeman Hrabowski