Ervin Sewell Perry (1935–December 14, 1970)[1] was an American civil engineer who became the first Black faculty member at a predominantly White university in the South when he was appointed in 1964 at the University of Texas at Austin.[2] Perry–Castañeda Library, the main central library of the University of Texas at Austin library system, is named in his honor. Perry received the Young Engineer of the Year award from the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1970.[3]
Early life and education
editPerry was born and raised in Coldspring, Texas. He was one of four sons and four daughters born to Willie and Edna Perry.[4]
He graduated from Prairie View A&M College in 1956 and received its Distinguished Graduate Award. He earned his Master of Science degree in 1961 and his Ph.D. degree in 1964, both at the University of Texas.[5][6]
Career
editAfter graduation, Perry taught at Prairie View A&M and Southern University. In 1964, Perry joined the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Texas.[6] He was promoted to associate professor in 1969.[7]
For the 1967–68 academic year, Perry was selected by the American Council on Education for an academic administration internship at Drexel Institute of Technology.[6]
Personal life
editPerry and his wife, Jean, had three daughters.[8] Perry died in Houston on December 14, 1970, of cancer.[1][9]
References
edit- ^ a b "Prof Dies". Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas). December 15, 1970. p. 1.
- ^ "An Accomplished Engineer, Ervin Perry Made History as UT's First Black Faculty Member". University of Texas at Austin. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
- ^ Kelly, Lee (September 14, 1977). "New UT library found awesome, yet accessible". Austin American-Statesman (Texas). p. 55.
- ^ "Willie Perry Services in Coldspring". San Jacinto News-Times (Shepherd, Texas). September 12, 1968. p. 1.
- ^ "U of T library dedicated". San Jacinto News-Times (Shepherd, Texas). November 17, 1977. p. 1.
- ^ a b c "UT Prof Chosen For Internship". The Austin American (Texas). May 3, 1967. p. 13.
- ^ "150 Promotions Announced Thursday for UT Faculty". Austin American-Statesman (Texas). September 19, 1969. p. 45.
- ^ "Ervin Sewell Perry". The Austin American (Texas). December 15, 1970. p. 29.
- ^ Goldstone, D. (2012). Integrating the 40 Acres: The Fifty-Year Struggle for Racial Equality at the University of Texas. University of Georgia Press. p. 141. ISBN 978-0-8203-4085-2. Retrieved April 9, 2022.
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