University of Montana Honors an Early Black Faculty Member

The University of Montana has announced the establishment of the Gloria M. Hewitt Graduate Scholarship in Mathematics. The scholarship will support students in master’s and doctoral programs in mathematics with a preference for students from underrepresented groups. Dr. Hewitt taught at the University of Montana for 38 years and was one of the first African American women to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics.

Dr. Hewitt was born in Sumter, South Carolina, in 1935. She graduated from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1956 and went on to earn a master’s degree in 1960 and a Ph.D. in mathematics in 1962 at the University of Washington.

Dr. Hewitt joined the faculty at the University of Montana in 1961 as an assistant professor. She was promoted to associate professor and granted tenure in 1966 and was named a full professor in 1972. She served as chair of the department of mathematics from 1995 to 1999. Dr. Hewitt remained on the faculty at the University of Montana until her retirement in 1999 when she was named professor emerita.

 

Related Articles

3 COMMENTS

    • I just wanted to reach out to Gloria Conyers Hewitt. My name is Barrington Pierson. I am from Sumter, SC. I graduated from Morris College with a Bachelor Degree in Secondary Education and a Minor in Mathematics. I received my Masters Degree in Secondary Education from the University of South Carolina and the Madtets Plus 30 from the College Of Charleston.

      I am a National Board Certified Mathematics Teacher. I have been teaching for 33 years.

      I asked my students to do a project on researching 7 female mathematicians during the month of March. One of my Homebound students submitted his work late. He wrote about you, Dr. Hewitt. I received his work on May 8, 2020. I read it and was elated to know that you are from Sumter. SC and have accomplished so much in your professional career. I am still reading more and more about you.

      I would like to congratulate you on all of your accompmishments in mathematics and education. I would love to meet you one day.

      I have taught several students whose last name was Conyers. I have also worked with a few teachers whose last name was Conyers.

      I am a Mathematcs Teacher at Lakewood High School and Morris College.

      Again Congratulations! It was a pleasure reading about you.

  1. Gloria Hewitt was my first mentor (if I can claim that) I worked for her at the U of Montana and she inspired me so much!! I worked for her for a short time she will have no idea who I am but from her support of my teaching math I will always be thankful – and to professor Yale who said he would support me furthering my math education if I so desired. These two believed in me when I hardly knew which way was up.
    Thank you.

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

Tuskegee University Flight School Receives $6.7 Million in Federal Funding

With a $6.7 million investment from the federal government, Tuskegee University will launch a new bachelor's degree in aviation science. The program will teach students about aviation science and technology and provide them with flight school training.

Three African Americans Appointed to University Faculty Positions

The faculty appointments are Dexter Blackman at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Stephanie Henderson at Alcorn State University in Mississippi, and Yolanda Pierce at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

Virginia State University Approved to Launch Master’s Degree in Data Analytics

The master's degree in data analytics will prepare students to use data to make strategic technology and business decisions. The new degree program will be the 14th established master's degree at Virginia State University.

Samuel Frimpong Honored for Outstanding Contributions to Mineral Industry Education

Dr. Frimpong was honored by the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration with the 2024 Mineral Industry Education Award. He currently serves as a professor of mineral engineering, the Robert H. Quenon Endowed Chair, and vice provost for graduate education at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Featured Jobs