Richard T. Greener

Richard T. Greener, the first African American professor at the University of South Carolina and the first African American graduate of Harvard University, taught at the University of South Carolina during the era of Reconstruction from 1873 to 1877. It was unheard of to have an African American professor in a Southern university during that period. It would be decades before another black professor would be appointed at USC. In addition to teaching philosophy, Greener served as librarian and helped reorganize and catalog the library's holdings, which were in disarray after the Civil War. Greener was born Jan. 30, 1844, and passed away in 1922.

The University has organized a symposium to celebrate Greener, as well a memorial ideas competition to create a permanent memorial.

The memorial ideas competition kicks off with a symposium, 5 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, in the Museum of Education, located in Wardlaw College. The symposium is free and open to the public.

Dr. Bobby Donaldson, associate professor of history, will discuss the era in which Greener taught at USC, and higher education graduate students Michael Jones and Dr. Lizzy Cantor will highlight Greener's contributions to USC. Lydia Brandt, assistant professor of art, will provide an overview of the competition. Cash prizes will be awarded.

The Richard T. Greener Memorial Ideas Competition is open to all members of the University community—students, faculty, and alumni—who have ideas on how Greener could be memorialized. Submissions are due by Friday, March 2, 2012.

Like the Greener Page on Facebook for regular updates.

For more information contact Katherine Chaddock, Professor & Chair, Department of Educational Leadership & Policies, at (803) 777-6236 or CHADDOCK@mailbox.sc.edu or Christian Anderson, Assistant Professor, at (803) 777-6702 or christian@sc.edu.