Joan Scott Wallace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joan Scott Wallace
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| Born | 8 November 1930 |
| Died | 15 March 2018 |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Bradley University, Columbia University, & Northwestern University |
| Occupation | Academic Administrator and Psychologist |
| Known for | First African American administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture |
Joan Scott Wallace (born November 8, 1930 – died March 15, 2018) was an important American leader. She was the first Black woman to hold a high position at the United States Department of Agriculture. She served as an Assistant Secretary there. Joan Wallace also worked as a diplomat, representing her country abroad. Outside of government, she was a psychologist and an educator.
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Growing Up and School
Joan Edaire Scott Wallace was born in Chicago, Illinois. Her birthday was November 8, 1930. Her father, William Edouard Scott, was a painter. Her mother, Esther Fulks Scott, was a social worker.
Joan went to Englewood High School. In 1948, she became the first Black salutatorian there. This means she was the second-highest-ranked student in her graduating class.
She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Bradley University in 1952. In 1954, she got a master's degree in social work from Columbia University. Later, she earned her doctorate from Northwestern University. Her doctorate was in experimental social psychology. She also studied at Harvard University.
In 1954, Joan married John H. Wallace. They had three sons: Eric, Victor, and Marc. They later divorced. In 1979, Joan married Maurice Dawkins, a pastor and activist. They stayed married until his death in 2001. In 2003, Joan remarried her first husband, John H. Wallace.
Her Career and Achievements
Joan Wallace had a long and impressive career. From 1967 to 1973, she was a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She taught psychology and social work. She also directed the undergraduate social work program.
In 1970, she worked at Barat College. There, she directed the Afro-American Studies program. She was also an associate professor of sociology and psychology. In 1973, she became the Dean of the School of Social Work at Howard University.
From 1975 to 1976, she worked at the National Urban League. She was the Deputy Executive Director for Programs. The next year, she became Vice President of Administration at Morgan State University. After that, she directed the School of Social Work at Western Michigan University.
Working for the Government
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter chose Joan Wallace for a big job. She became the Assistant Secretary for Administration at the Department of Agriculture. She was the third woman and the first African American to hold this important position. She stayed in this role until 1981.
After that, she led the International Cooperation and Development Agency (ICDA). At ICDA, she helped many countries. She sent experts to 100 foreign countries to help with farming. She also managed over 500 research programs.
In 1989, President George H.W. Bush appointed her to another diplomatic role. She became the Diplomatic Representative for the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA). She worked in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago until 1993.
After Government Service
Joan Wallace retired from government work in 1995. She then became the chairman of Americans for Democracy in Africa. This group watched elections in African countries. In 1999, she joined Florida International University. She was a professor and associate director in their School of Social Work. The next year, she served as Commissioner of Volunteer Florida.
Joan Scott Wallace received special honorary degrees. These came from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, Bowie State College, and Alabama A&M University.
