Born: 1929 (Norfolk, Virginia)
Died: 2021
Biography:
Eleanor Green Dawley Jones (10 August 1929 – 1 March 2021) was an American mathematician and a prominent figure in the field of mathematics. She was one of the first African-American women to achieve a Ph.D. in mathematics, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of women and minorities in the field. Jones dedicated her life to promoting education, advocating for civil rights, and inspiring others to pursue careers in science and mathematics.
Jones was born on August 10, 1929, in Norfolk, Virginia, to George Herbert Green and Lillian Vaughn Green. She was the second of six children, all of whom went on to earn at least a bachelor’s degree. Growing up in a segregated society, Jones attended Booker T. Washington High School, a public school for African-American students. It was during her time there that she discovered her passion for mathematics.
A brilliant student, Jones graduated as valedictorian of her high school in 1945, at the age of 15. She then went on to Howard University with two scholarships, one from the university and another from the Pepsi-Cola Corporation. At Howard University, Jones had the privilege of being mentored by Elbert Frank Cox, the first African-American person to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics, and David Blackwell, another notable African-American mathematician. She majored in mathematics, while also minoring in physics and education. In 1949, she graduated cum laude from Howard University, and the following year, she completed her master’s degree.
After completing her master’s degree, Jones returned to Booker T. Washington High School, this time as a teacher. She also developed a new curriculum for the high school’s mathematics program, striving to provide her students with the best education possible. In 1951, she married Edward Dawley, Jr., and in 1953, she took time off from teaching to start a family. However, her passion for education and mathematics led her to return to teaching in 1955, this time as a mathematics instructor at Hampton Institute.
In 1957, when all-white public schools were integrated, the segregated public schools in Norfolk were closed. This left many African-American youth without a proper educational institution. In response, Jones began tutoring these students at Norfolk’s First Baptist Church, ensuring that they continued to receive an education despite the systemic barriers they faced. Additionally, Jones became actively involved in the civil rights movement and rose to the rank of vice chair in Virginia’s branch of CORE (Congress for Racial Equality) from 1958 to 1960.
Following a divorce, Jones made the decision to pursue a doctorate. Hampton Institute at the time only granted tenure to instructors with doctoral degrees, but Virginia did not allow black students to pursue doctorates in the state. Undeterred, Jones relocated with her two sons to Syracuse University in New York in 1962. She received a National Science Foundation fellowship in 1963 and began working as a teaching assistant at Syracuse University. In 1966, Jones achieved her long-awaited goal and received her Ph.D.
As an associate professor, Jones returned to the Hampton Institute for the 1966-1967 academic year before joining the faculty of Norfolk State University. Throughout her career, she worked tirelessly to develop college mathematics curriculums as a consultant, ensuring that future generations of students received a high-quality math education. Jones also dedicated herself to speaking at various events, conferences, and seminars, encouraging women and minorities to pursue careers in science and mathematics. Her inspirational speeches empowered countless individuals to overcome societal barriers and pursue their passions.
Eleanor Jones made significant contributions to the advancement of mathematics education and the breaking down of racial and gender barriers in academia. Her dedication to education, civil rights, and inspiring other underrepresented individuals has left an indelible mark on the field of mathematics and society as a whole.
Awards:
-Award for Excellence in Mathematics Education
-National Science Foundation Fellowship
-George A. Woods Award for Contributions to Diversity in Mathematics