MOTW - Elbert Cox

For the month of February, in honor of Black History Month, I will be highlighting the contributions of African-American mathematicians.

The mathematician of the day is Elbert Frank Cox (1895-1969)

Elbert Frank Cox was the first African-American ever to receive a PhD in Mathematics (1925, Cornell University). In his 40 year-long teaching career, he taught at Howard University and West Virginia State College.

The National Association of Mathematicians established the Cox-Talbot Address in his honor, which is annually delivered at the NAM’s national meetings. The Elbert F. Cox Scholarship Fund, which is used to help black students pursue studies, is also named in his honor.