Cora Bagley Marrett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cora Bagley Marrett
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| Acting Director of the National Science Foundation | |
| In office March 2013 – March 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Subra Suresh |
| Succeeded by | France A. Córdova |
| Acting Director of the National Science Foundation | |
| In office June 2010 – October 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Arden L. Bement, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Subra Suresh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1942 (age 82–83) Kenbridge, Virginia |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Sociologist |
Cora Bagley Marrett, born in 1942, is a well-known American sociologist. A sociologist studies how people live together in groups and societies. From May 2011 to August 2014, she served as the deputy director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF is a U.S. government agency that supports science and engineering research.
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Cora Marrett's Early Life and Education
Growing Up in Virginia
Cora Bagley Marrett was born in 1942 in Kenbridge, Virginia. She was the youngest of 12 children in her family. Her parents had a sixth-grade education. This shows how important her achievements were.
Her Path to a PhD
Marrett earned her first college degree from Virginia Union University. This is a historically black university in Richmond, Virginia. In 1968, she earned her PhD in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Cora Marrett's Career Journey
Teaching at Universities
Cora Marrett started her teaching career at Western Michigan University. She also taught at the University of North Carolina. From 1974 to 1997, Marrett was a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She taught Sociology and Afro-American Studies.
Later, she moved to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1997. There, she became a Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor. She stayed there until 2001. After that, she returned to the University of Wisconsin System. She served as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs until 2007.
Leading at the National Science Foundation
Marrett worked for the National Science Foundation (NSF) from 1992 to 1996. She was an assistant director for different study areas. These included Social, Behavioral, and Economic Studies. She also helped with Education and Human Resources.
In May 2011, Marrett returned to the NSF as the deputy director. She held this important role until August 2014. She also served as the NSF's acting director two times. First, from June to October 2010. Then again, from March 2013 to March 2014.
Helping Other Organizations
Marrett also dedicated her time to many other groups. From 1990 to 1992, she directed programs for the United Negro College Fund. This fund helps students at historically black colleges.
She also served on the Board of Governors for the Argonne National Laboratory. This is a major science and engineering research center. She was also part of a group for the National Institutes of Health. Marrett helped many other important committees. These included groups for the National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. Department of Defense. She even advised the U.S. Congress.
Awards and Honors
Cora Marrett has received many awards for her hard work.
- While at the National Science Foundation (1992-1996), she earned the Distinguished Service Award.
- In 1996, she received an honorary Doctorate from Wake Forest University. She also became a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
- In 1998, she became a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. That same year, she was Vice President of the American Sociological Association.
- In 2008, Marrett received the Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award. This award honors scholars who work for social justice. It recognizes those who help disadvantaged groups.
- The University of Wisconsin honored her in 2012. She received a Distinguished Alumni Award.
- She was also nominated for a University Teaching Award at Western Michigan University.
