Freeman Hrabowski is a distinguished educator and mathematician who has made significant contributions to higher education, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He began his professional journey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he served as an assistant professor and assistant dean of student services after earning his Ph.D. in higher education administration. His commitment to enhancing minority participation in STEM led him to Alabama A&M University as associate dean of graduate studies before he joined Coppin State College as a professor and dean of arts and sciences.

In 1987, Hrabowski took on the role of vice provost at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where he was later appointed president in 1992. Under his visionary leadership, UMBC transformed from a regional commuter school into a nationally recognized research institution. His efforts resulted in UMBC being ranked as the #1 Up and Coming University in the U.S. for six consecutive years and being included in the Most Innovative National Universities list by U.S. News & World Report.

Hrabowski is also a prolific author and advocate for diversity in STEM education. He co-founded the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, which has significantly increased the number of Black students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM fields. His research and publications focus on improving educational outcomes for underrepresented minorities, and he has chaired national committees addressing these critical issues.

Throughout his career, Hrabowski has received numerous accolades, including the Carnegie Corporation’s Academic Leadership Award and an honorary doctorate from Harvard University. His influence extends beyond academia, as he has served as an advisor to President Barack Obama on educational excellence for African Americans. Hrabowski’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students.