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Frederick_D__Patterson
Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson

 Dr. Frederick D. Patterson (1901-1988) was an acclaimed educator, third president of President of Tuskegee University, and founder of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Patterson was named after abolitionist Frederick Douglass. He was orphaned at the age of 2 when both of his parents died of tuberculosis. He was raised by his older sister in Texas. Patterson attended Prairie View A & M where he earned a teaching certificate in 1915. He received a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1923 (at the age of 22) and a Master of Science degree in 1927. Both degrees were obtained from Iowa State University. He also earned a second doctorate from Cornell University in 1933. Patterson was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Patterson joined Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in Alabama in 1928. He would become president of Tuskegee in 1935-1953. One of his greatest accomplishments while there was to lead the creation of Tuskegee’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 1944. Continue reading “Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson: Educator Extraordinaire, Phenomenal Philanthropist, and Founder The United Negro College Fund (UNCF)” →