Born: 12 September 1840, United States
Died: 24 September 1894
Country most active: United States
Also known as: NA
This biography is reprinted in full with permission from the National Women’s History Museum (United States of America). NWHM biographies are generously supported by Susan D. Whiting. All rights reserved.
“[Mary Jane Patterson] was a woman with a strong, forceful personality, and showed tremendous power for good in establishing high intellectual standards in the public schools.” – Mary Church Terrell
In 1862, Mary Jane Patterson became the first African-American woman to receive a BA degree when she graduated from Oberlin College. Patterson graduated with a B.A. degree and highest honors.
Patterson went on to teach in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and eventually settled in Washington DC. She served as principal of the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth (now known as Dunbar High School) in DC during the 1870s – she was the school’s first African-American principal. During her administration, the school grew from less than 50 to 172 students, the name “Preparatory High School” was dropped, high school commencements were initiated, and a teacher-training department was added to the school. Patterson’s commitment to thoroughness as well as her “forceful” and “vivacious” personality helped her establish the school’s strong intellectual standards. Mary Jane Patterson died at her Washington, D. C. home, September 24, 1894, at the age of 54. Although she is a not well-known figure, Mary Jane Patterson was a pioneer in black education and paved the way for other black female educators.
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