Georgia Caldwell Smith facts for kids

Georgia Caldwell Smith (1909–1961) was an amazing mathematician. She was one of the first African-American women to earn a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Later, at age 51, she earned her Ph.D. in math. This was a huge achievement, making her one of the first African-American women to get such a high degree in math. Sadly, she passed away before her Ph.D. was officially given to her. So, it was awarded posthumously in 1961, which means after her death. She also led the math department at Spelman College.

Early Life and Schooling

Georgia Caldwell Smith was born on August 28, 1909, in Atchison, Kansas. She went to public schools that were segregated, meaning Black and white students went to separate schools. She loved math and studied hard.

She earned her first college degree, a bachelor's degree, in mathematics in 1928. The next year, in 1929, she earned her master's degree in math. Both of these degrees were from the University of Kansas. She also earned another master's degree in mathematics from the University of Chicago in 1929.

Her Career in Mathematics

Georgia Caldwell Smith started her career as a math teacher. From 1929 to 1938, she was an assistant professor at Spelman College. After that, she taught at Lincoln University (Missouri) until 1943. She also taught at Alabama State College.

In 1945, she returned to Spelman College. This time, she became the head of the Department of Mathematics. This was a very important leadership role.

Working Towards Her Ph.D.

Even though she was teaching, Georgia Smith kept learning. She studied more at the University of Minnesota and the University of Georgia. She even received a special grant, called a National Science Foundation fellowship. This grant helped her work on her doctorate degree.

She finished her big research paper, called a dissertation, in 1960. She wrote it at the University of Pittsburgh. Her dissertation was about a topic in math called "group theory." It was titled Some results on the anti center of a group. Her professor, Norman Levine, helped her with it. Her research was approved in January 1961.

Professional Groups and Honors

Georgia Caldwell Smith was part of important math organizations. These included the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society. She even went to a meeting of the American Mathematical Society in New York in 1948.

She was also chosen to join two special honor societies. These were Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Mu Epsilon. Being chosen for these groups showed how smart and dedicated she was to her studies.

Family Life

Georgia Smith was married to Dr. Barnett Frissell Smith. He was also a professor and led the biology department at Spelman College. They had one son together, named Barnett F. Smith Jr.

Sadly, Georgia Caldwell Smith passed away on May 6, 1961. This was just before her Ph.D. was officially given to her in June.