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McNair Scholars Program

Division of Academic Affairs

Dr. Ronald E McNair

1950-1986

Ronald Erwin McNair was born October 12, 1950 in Lake City, South Carolina to Carl and Pearl McNair. Although he grew up amidst crushing poverty, McNair always exhibited a deep thirst for scientific knowledge. In 1971, he graduated magna cum laude and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro. Dr. McNair then enrolled in the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1976 at the age of 26 he earned his Ph.D. in laser physics.

In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. McNair was presented with three honorary doctorate degrees and many fellowships and commendations. These included, Presidential Scholar-1967-1971, Ford Foundation Scholar-1971-1974, National Fellowship Fund Fellow-1974-1975, Omega Psi Phi Scholar of the Year-1975, Distinguished National Scientist, National society of Black Professional Engineers-1979 and Friend of Freedom Award-1981.

Dr. McNair also held a fifth degree black belt in karate and was an accomplished jazz saxophonist.

Dr. McNair realized his dream of becoming an astronaut in 1978 when he was selected from a pool of ten thousand applicants for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, space shuttle program and became the second African-American to fly in space. After his death aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986, Congress approved funding for the Ronald E McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. The program is dedicated to the support and promotion of the high standards of achievement exemplified by Dr. McNair.