Louise Nixon Sutton facts for kids

Louise Nixon Sutton (born November 4, 1925 – died May 14, 2006) was an amazing mathematician and professor. She made history as the first African-American woman to earn a PhD in math education from New York University. She also became the first leader of the Physical Sciences and Mathematics Department at Elizabeth City State University.

Early Life and School Years

Louise Nixon Sutton was born in Hertford, North Carolina. She had three brothers. Louise loved learning, especially math.

She earned her first degree (a Bachelor of Science) from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1946. Later, she got her Master's degree from New York University in 1951.

In 1962, she achieved something truly special. Louise became the first African-American person to get a PhD in mathematics education from New York University. Her PhD paper was about different ways to teach math topics like trigonometry.

A Career in Teaching Math

After finishing her degrees, Louise Nixon Sutton started teaching. From 1946 to 1947, she taught math at James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.

She then became an assistant professor at North Carolina A&T State University from 1947 to 1954. Later, she held the same position at Delaware State College from 1957 to 1962.

Leading a Department

In 1962, Louise Nixon Sutton took on a big role. She became a Professor and the leader (Chair) of the Physical Sciences and Mathematics Department at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

She was also a member of several important groups. These included the North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Association and the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She was also part of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

From 1977 to 1978, she was the Chairperson of the National Association of University Women. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Mu and the Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Society.

Later Life

Louise Nixon Sutton passed away at her home in Hertford, North Carolina, on May 14, 2006. She was an active member of her community.

She was involved with the St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church and the NAACP. She also belonged to the George Washington Carver Floral Club and other community groups.