Mary Scales facts for kids

Mary Caruthers Scales (born September 24, 1928 – died October 6, 2013) was an amazing American leader. She was a professor, a community helper, and even owned a funeral home. Mary Scales made history in many ways.

She was the first Black faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). There, she taught future teachers and became an associate dean. Before that, she was a school teacher. Mary Scales was also the first African-American woman elected to the Murfreesboro City Council. This means she helped make important decisions for her city.

A school in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Scales Elementary School, is named after her and her husband, Robert W. Scales. Her husband was also a very important leader. He was the first African-American elected to the Murfreesboro City Council and the city's first African-American Vice-Mayor.

Life and Education

Mary Scales was born in Columbus, Georgia. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She loved learning and went to college.

She attended Knoxville College. Then, she earned her bachelor's degree from Tennessee State University. Later, she received her Master's degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

A Trailblazing Educator

Mary Scales started her career as a school teacher. She taught math to middle school students. She also helped other teachers at Bradley & Boxwood middle schools.

After working in Murfreesboro City Schools, she joined MTSU. She became an associate professor and then a full professor. She was the very first Black faculty member at MTSU. This was a big step forward! She later became an associate dean. She also worked for the Tennessee Department of Education. There, she helped with math education across the state.

A Leader in Her Community

Mary Scales was a founding member of the Pi Nu Omega group. She also advised the Eta Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha at MTSU. These groups helped students and the community.

She was married to Robert W. Scales, who was known as "T-90" Scales. He owned the Scales & Sons Funeral Home. Robert Scales was also a pioneer. He was the first Black person elected to the Murfreesboro City Council and the first Black Vice-Mayor.

Mary Scales followed in his footsteps. She was elected to the Murfreesboro City School Board. Then, she was elected to the Murfreesboro City Council. She was the first Black woman ever elected to this important position. After her husband passed away, she took over running the Scales & Sons Funeral Home. She managed it from 2000 to 2012.

Her daughter, Madelyn Scales Harris, also became a leader. She was elected to the Murfreesboro City Council in 2010. The Scales family has a strong history of serving their community.