Audrey F. Manley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Audrey Manley
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| Surgeon General of the United States | |
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Acting
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| In office January 1, 1995 – June 30, 1997 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Joycelyn Elders |
| Succeeded by | J. Jarrett Clinton (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Audrey Forbes Manley
March 25, 1934 Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Education | Spelman College (BS) Meharry Medical College (MD) Johns Hopkins University (MPH) |
Audrey Forbes Manley (born March 25, 1934) is an American doctor who specializes in children's health (a pediatrician). She also worked as a leader in public health. Dr. Manley made history several times. She was the first African-American woman to be chief resident at Cook County Children's Hospital in Chicago in 1962. Later, in 1988, she became the first to reach the rank of Assistant Surgeon General. She also served as the eighth president of Spelman College.
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Audrey Manley's Early Life
Audrey Elaine Manley, whose maiden name was Forbes, was born on March 25, 1934. Her birthplace was Jackson, Mississippi. Her parents, Ora Lee Buckhalter and Jesse Lee Forbes, soon moved the family. They settled in Tougaloo, Mississippi, close to Tougaloo College. Audrey was the oldest of three daughters. Her family worked as tenant farmers.
Audrey was inspired to become a doctor after her grandmother passed away. Her seventh-grade science teacher also encouraged her. During World War II, her family moved to Chicago. This happened when her grandmother could no longer care for Audrey and her sisters.
Education and Learning
In 1951, Manley finished high school as the top student. She graduated from Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago. She then went to Spelman College. There, she studied biology, chemistry, and mathematics. In 1955, she graduated with honors from Spelman College.
She continued her studies at Meharry Medical College. She received a full scholarship for her medical degree. She graduated in 1959. Many years later, in 1987, Manley earned a master's degree in public health. She received this from Johns Hopkins University.
Manley's Career Journey
Manley started her medical career in 1962. She completed her residency in Chicago. She became the first African-American woman to be chief resident at Cook County Children's Hospital. While there, she also taught pediatrics at the Cook County School of Nursing.
In 1970, Manley moved back to Atlanta after getting married. She began working at Grady Memorial Hospital's Emory University Family Planning Clinic. She was the Chief of Medical Services there. At the same time, she supported her husband, who was president of Spelman College. She started programs like the Health Career Program.
In 1976, Manley was appointed as a captain in the U.S. Public Health Service. For the next ten years, she continued her work in children's health and medical education. She worked at several universities, including the University of Chicago and Emory University. Manley also researched sickle cell disease. She worked hard to get government money for this important research.
Government Roles and Surgeon General
Starting in 1989, Manley held many important government jobs. She worked with the U.S. Public Health Service. She was the first black woman to be a principal deputy assistant for public health in 1989. She also represented the U.S. at UNICEF meetings.
From 1995 to 1997, Manley made history again. She became the first black woman to serve as the acting Surgeon General of the United States. This role is like the nation's chief doctor. During her time, she focused on how important physical activity is. She taught people about the health benefits of exercise.
Leading Spelman College
From 1997 to 2002, Dr. Manley was the 8th president of Spelman College. This is a famous college for women in Atlanta, Georgia. It is also a historically black college. She was the first former student to become president of the college.
She continued the legacy of her husband, Dr. Albert E. Manley. He was the first African American president of Spelman College. During her time as president, Spelman College continued to rank highly. It was the second-highest producer of black medical students. The college also joined NCAA Division II sports.
After Retirement
Manley retired in 2002. However, she still stays involved in important organizations. These include the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. She also works with the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Manley's Personal Life
Audrey Manley showed her dedication to helping others. She worked with Crossroads Africa. There, she managed a children's ward in a hospital in Nigeria. She also provided medical services to children in San Francisco.
Audrey Forbes first met her future husband, Albert Manley, while she was a student at Spelman. She convinced him, then the college president, to let her take advanced science classes at Morehouse College. They reconnected later when Audrey was chosen to be on Spelman's board of trustees. The couple married in 1970.
Audrey Manley's Legacy
Manley has received many awards for her work. These include honors from the National Council of Negro Women (1979). She also received awards from the United States Public Health Service (1981, 1992). Other awards came from the Young Women's Christian Association (1999) and the Atlanta City Council (2002).
She has also received honorary degrees from Tougaloo College. She is an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated. In 2002, the Albro Falconer Manley Science Center at Spelman College was partly named in her honor.
