Percent Distribution by Geographic Origin of Ph.D. Degree Interviewees

South before 1965 stated that they were forbidden to pursue doctoral studies in Southern historically white colleges and universities because of racial segregation. Interviewees from the so-called Deep South reported that their native states provided funds for them to attend graduate school outside of the state. This confirms the earlier discussion of the historical participation of African Americans in U.S. higher education. 

Of the 1,638 Ph.D. chemists employed by the Top 50 chemistry departments in 2001, Nelson et al. (2001) report that only 18 or a mere 1.1% were African Americans. The fact that only one African American Ph.D. chemist was appointed as an assistant professor in a tenure-track position at one of the nation s top 50 chemistry departments in 2000 provides further evidence that African Americans continue to be virtually absent from these faculties (Bhattachaqee, 2003). In a report released by Dartmouth College (2003), a key finding was that faculty diversity tends to lag well behind student diversity. 

Langford (2003) views the underrepresentation of African Americans on the faculties of science departments at top-rated research universities as a major 

Beyond Small Numbers Voices of African American PhD Chemists 

Conversely to the findings of virtual invisibility of African American faculty at major research universities, interviewees were more likely to report the presence of African American classmates at some point during their doctoral studies. Cohort I graduates reported six African American classmates. The comments of a cohort member are illuminating  

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Fig. 3.6. Percent Distribution by Geographic Origin of Ph.D. Degree [Interviewees].

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