George Washington Carver

Dr. George Washington Carver (c. 1864-5 – January 5, 1943) was an African-American botanist who worked in agricultural extension in the southern United States. He taught former slaves farming techniques for self-sufficiency and is known for suggesting hundreds of uses for the peanut and other plants to increase the profitability of farming.

College years

In 1887, he was accepted to Simpson College in Indianola.

Related Topics:
1887 - Simpson College - Indianola

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He excelled in art and music, but art instructor Etta May Budd, whose father, Joseph Budd, was head of the Iowa State College Department of Horticulture, recognized Carver's horticultural talents.

Related Topics:
Etta May Budd - Joseph Budd - Horticulture

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Realizing the difficulties facing an African-American artist, she convinced him to pursue a more pragmatic career in scientific agriculture and, in 1891, he became the first African-American to enroll at Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, which today is Iowa State University.

Related Topics:
1891 - Iowa State University

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In order to avoid confusion with another George Carver in his classes, he began to use the name George Washington Carver.

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Through quiet determination and perseverance, Carver soon became involved in all facets of campus life.

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He was a leader in the YMCA and the debate club.

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He worked in the dining rooms and as a trainer for the athletic teams.

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He was captain, the highest student rank, of the campus military regiment.

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His poetry was published in the student newspaper and two of his paintings were exhibited at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago.

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Carver's interests in music and art remained strong, but it was his excellence in botany and horticulture that prompted professors Joseph Budd and Louis Pammel to encourage him to stay on as a graduate student after he completed his bachelor's degree in 1894.

Related Topics:
Bachelor's degree - 1894

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Because of his proficiency in plant breeding, Carver was appointed to the faculty, becoming ISU's first African-American faculty member.

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Over the next two years, as assistant botanist for the College Experiment Station, Carver quickly developed scientific skills in plant pathology and mycology, the branch of botany that deals with fungi.

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He published several articles on his work and gained national respect.

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He completed his master's degree in 1896.

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