Huey Battle facts for kids

Huey Jefferson Battle (born October 31, 1918 – died January 23, 1991) was an important American economist. He was a professor and leader at Langston University and Virginia State University. He made history by becoming the first African-American in Oklahoma to earn a doctoral degree. Later, in 2017, he was honored in the Oklahoma State University Diversity Hall of Fame.

Huey Battle's Early Life and Education

Huey Battle was born in Rusk, Texas, in October 1918. He grew up in Wewoka, Oklahoma. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war, he graduated from Langston University.

In 1954, he achieved a major milestone. He became the first African American to earn a PhD from Oklahoma State University. His special area of study was Agricultural Economics. This field looks at how farming and food production affect the economy. His PhD paper was about changes in the flour-milling industry. He was also a lifelong member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

A Life of Teaching and Leadership

Huey Battle started his career as a high school teacher. Later, he became a professor at Langston University. There, he led the department, helping to guide students and other teachers.

In 1962, he moved to Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. He became the head of the Department of Agriculture. He continued to rise in leadership roles at the university. When he retired in 1985, he was the vice president of research and development. This meant he oversaw important studies and new projects at the university. He also served as president of the National Economic Association.