Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

Ronald E. McNair

Born on October 21, 1950, in South Carolina, Ronald E. McNair received a B.S. degree, magna cum laude, in physics from North Carolina A&T State University in 1971. After earning a PhD in physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976, McNair worked for Hughes Research Laboratory as a physicist specializing in laser physics. In 1978, he joined the NASA space shuttle program as a mission specialist. He died in the Challenger space shuttle accident January 28, 1986.

Aside from being the second African-American to fly in space, McNair received numerous honors, including being named a Presidential Scholar, 1967-71; Ford Foundation Fellow, 1971-74; National Fellowship Fund Fellow, 1974-75; A NATO Fellow, 1975; Omega Psi Phi Scholar of the Year, 1975; AAU Karate Gold Medal, 1976; National Society of Black Professional Engineers, 1979; Distinguished National Scientist, 1970; and, Who's Who Among Black Americans, 1980.

McNair was also a family man. He was married and had a son and a daughter. He appreciated a variety of music, which led him to become an accomplished jazz saxophonist. He also earned a fifth degree black belt in karate.

A child of poverty and segregation, McNair learned that challenges and risks were a part of life. He dedicated himself to creating a world in which all people could one day realize their dreams.

In 1984 McNair told University of South Carolina students, "True courage comes in enduring...persevering and believing in oneself."

South Carolina delegates proclaimed to Congress, "Ronald McNair represents an outstanding role-model of achievement, especially for young African Americans."

McNair Scholars Program is dedicated to Ronald McNair's love of learning and his high standard of achievement.