St. Elmo Brady (1884 – 1966) was the first African American to obtain a Ph.D. degree in chemistry in the United States; earning this degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1916. Brady went on to serve leadership roles at four historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs): Tuskegee, Howard University, Fisk University, and Tougaloo College, where he helped build strong undergraduate curricula and founded graduate programs in chemistry. At Brady’s retirement from Fisk, Dr. Joseph C. Dacons, Acting Head of the Chemistry Department, described Brady's accomplishments eloquently, as follows: “One of the greatest contributions anyone can make to society, and certainly one that should afford a large amount of satisfaction, is to be useful helping young people to take their places as useful if not leading citizens in the communities in which they live. Dr. Brady can always feel that he has done an admirable and successful job in this respect. Many are the chemists, medical doctors, dentists and people in all walks of life who will always be grateful for the early education and guidance received at the hands of Dr. St. Elmo Brady. He is one with whom scarcely any ambitious person can be associated even for the shortest period of time without feeling that he has benefited by the association. He has been an inspiration not only to students but also to those who have worked with him.” St. Elmo Brady was honored with an ACS National Historic Chemical Landmark designation on February 5, 2019, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  The paper will focus on his life, scientific and educational achievements.

St. Elmo Brady: A life of service

ACS Fall 2021

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