Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III is an educator, mathematician, author, and civil rights advocate who served as President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), from 1992 to 2022. As President Emeritus, he continues to inspire educators and students through his work on leadership, STEM education, and expanding opportunity.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Hrabowski participated in the 1963 Children’s Crusade at just 12 years old, marching peacefully for civil rights and spending five days in jail. That experience helped shape his lifelong commitment to education and equality.
He co-founded the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, a nationally recognized model for supporting students pursuing advanced degrees and research careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with a focus on increasing minority representation.
In 2012, President Barack Obama appointed him to chair the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. His many honors include the National Academy of Sciences’ Public Welfare Medal, its most prestigious award.
The author of Holding Fast to Dreams, Dr. Hrabowski encourages young people to embrace challenging goals, support one another, and recognize their power to make a difference.
Interview Topic: From Civil Rights to STEM—Education, Leadership, and Holding Fast to Your Dreams
