Marion Mann facts for kids

Marion Mann (born March 29, 1920 – died August 20, 2022) was an important American doctor. He was a pathologist, which means he studied diseases. Dr. Mann also led the College of Medicine at Howard University as its Dean from 1970 to 1979.

Early Life and Family

Convent Avenue Baptist Church

Marion Mann was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up with five brothers. Their mother, C.C. Mann, was a church organist and piano teacher. She taught music until she passed away in 1981 at age 92.

Many of Marion's brothers were talented musicians. Levi Mann played jazz bass with the Lucky Millinder Orchestra. He later played the Hammond B3 organ at the 20 Grand Club in Detroit. Howard Mann wrote gospel music and directed choirs. His other brothers, Lawrence, William, and John Wesley, were also trained musicians and teachers.

Even though he loved music, Marion Mann chose a different path. He was the only son who did not become a musician. His family moved from Atlanta to Harlem, New York, in the 1930s. But Marion went back South for college.

College and Family Life

Marion Mann attended Tuskegee Institute. In 1937, he met Ruth Maureen Reagin there. They got married after he graduated in 1940. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Army.

Marion and Ruth had two children. Their son, M. Nicholas Mann, was born in 1944. This was while Marion was stationed at the Tuskegee Army Airfield. Their daughter, Judith Reagin Walk, was born in 1949 in Yokohama, Japan. This was during Marion's time serving overseas after World War II.

Medical Career and Leadership

After leaving the regular Army, Marion Mann started medical school. He attended Howard University Medical School in 1950. He earned his medical degree (M.D.) in 1954.

After medical school, he became a pathologist. He even worked as a Deputy Coroner in Washington, D.C. He continued his education and earned a Ph.D. degree from Georgetown University in 1961.

In 1961, he became a professor of pathology at Howard University. By 1970, he was promoted to professor. He was also named the Dean of the College of Medicine.

Military Service and Later Roles

Even after leaving the regular Army, Dr. Mann stayed in the military. He was a reservist in the Army Medical Corps. In 1975, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

After retiring, Dr. Mann returned to Howard University. From 1988 to 1991, he served as Associate Vice President. In this role, he helped create the University's Office of Research and Administration.

Achievements as Dean

Dr. Mann is best remembered for his work as Dean of the College of Medicine. During his time, the medical school made big changes. They made the entrance process more strict. The number of new students in the Freshman class increased to 128.

Dr. Mann also created strong support services for students. These services helped students succeed and reduced the number who dropped out. Under his leadership, the faculty voted to require students to pass national board exams. This was needed to move up in their studies and to graduate.

The medical school also started new Ph.D. programs. These included programs in anatomy, genetics, and microbiology. One of his most lasting achievements was expanding the medical school. He led the addition of the Seeley G. Mudd building. This new building was for pre-clinical science classes.

Personal Life and Passing

Marion Mann passed away in Washington, D.C., on August 20, 2022. He was 102 years old.

Honors and Awards

Dr. Mann received many honors during his life. He was given honorary Doctor of Science degrees. These came from Georgetown University and the University of Massachusetts.

He was also a diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners. He was also part of the American Board of Pathology. He was given the title of Knight Grand Commander of the Human Order of African Redemption from the Republic of Liberia.