Inez Beverly Prosser Life And Accomplishments

Inez Beverly Prosser (ca. 1895–1934) is widely regarded as being the very first woman of African American descent to obtain a psychology doctorate in the United States. Prosser accomplished this by completing her dissertation in 1933 . Her dissertation explored differences in personality, learning, acceptance, etc. between African American children who were attending segregated schools and non-segregated schools. Prosser’s findings showed that African American children performed better and had their educational needs met better in segregated schools (Benjamin, Henry, McMahon. 2005). Her research, life experiences and accomplishments, were used in several debates regarding segregation in schools and ultimately was referenced in the arguments that led to the desegregation decision of Brown vs. the Board of Education in 1954 (Haas, Prendergast. 2004). Inez Beverly Prosser was born Inez Beverly on December 30th in Yoakum (San Marcos?), Texas, to Samuel and Veola Beverly. The year was most likely 1895 (Miller. 2006). Although, some place her birth in 1897. Prosser’s father worked in a restaurant and her mother was a homemaker. The oldest daughter, and second oldest overall, of 11 siblings, Inez and

While instructing at Tillotson, Prosser would showcase her leadership and teaching skills, as well as truly committing herself to the psychological and educational development of African American students. During her time at Tillotson, between 1921 and 1930, Prosser was able to work her way through the ranks to become the registrar. A short time after becoming the institution’s registrar, Prosser would obtain the position of Dean, as well (Benjamin, Henry, McMahon. 2005). In 1930 Prosser was offered employment at Tougaloo College in Mississipi. The position included administrative duties as well as a teaching position. Prosser happily accepted the offer and bid Tillotson adieu