Philip G. Hubbard facts for kids
Philip Gamaliel Hubbard (born March 4, 1921 – died January 10, 2002) was a very important university professor and leader. He made history as the first African-American professor at the University of Iowa. He was also the first African-American administrator at any of Iowa's state universities. Later, he became the first African-American vice president at a Big 10 university. In August 2012, Hubbard was honored by being added to the Iowa African American Hall of Fame.
Growing Up in Iowa
Hubbard was born in Macon, Missouri. His mother was a teacher in Missouri's segregated school system. This meant schools were separated by race. She wanted her children to have a better education. So, when Philip was four years old, she moved the family to Iowa. Schools in Iowa were integrated at that time. This meant students of all races went to school together. However, his mother could not find a teaching job. She found work as an elevator operator in Des Moines, Iowa.
Philip graduated from North High School in Des Moines in 1939. He was very active in school. He played in the band and orchestra. He also sang in the chorus. He was part of the biology club and played freshman football. He was also a member of the National Honor Society. By the time he finished high school, he had saved $252.50 for college. He earned this money by shining shoes for 15 cents a pair at the Savery Hotel in Des Moines.
College and War Service
Hubbard chose to attend the University of Iowa instead of Iowa State. He picked the University of Iowa because he could shine shoes at the Jefferson Hotel in Iowa City. This helped him pay his tuition, which was $50 per semester. Hubbard started at the University of Iowa in 1940.
In 1943, he joined the Army Reserves. In 1944, he received an Army certificate in electrical engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Francis M. Dawson, who was the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa, helped Hubbard get discharged in 1945. This allowed Hubbard to do important war research at the University of Iowa. He graduated with honors on June 1, 1947. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
A Trailblazing Career
In July 1947, Hubbard was appointed as a research engineer. This made him the very first black faculty member at the University of Iowa. He continued his studies and earned a Master's degree in 1949. He then received his doctorate in 1954. Both of these advanced degrees were from the University of Iowa. From 1954 until his retirement in 1991, he was a professor of mechanical engineering.
In 1966, Hubbard was appointed Dean of Academic Affairs. This made him the first black administrator at any of Iowa's universities. In 1971, he was named Vice President of Student Services. This was another big step, making him the first black vice-president at a Big Ten university. He served in this important role until December 31, 1990. After that, he retired from the University of Iowa.
To remember his contributions, the field next to the Student Union on the University of Iowa campus was renamed Hubbard Park. This happened on December 6, 1991. In June 1999, he published a book. It was called My Iowa Journey: The Life Story of the University of Iowa's First Tenured African American Professor. Philip Hubbard passed away on January 10, 2002, at the age of 80.
