Marguerite Ross Barnett

Marguerite Ross Barnett (May 21, 1942 – February 26, 1992) was the eighth president of the University of Houston and a former chancellor of the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Barnett was the first black woman to lead a major American university.[1]

Marguerite Ross Barnett
8th President of the University of Houston
In office 1990–1992
Preceded by	Richard L. Van Horn
Succeeded by	James H. Pickering
Personal details
Born	May 21, 1942 Charlottesville, Virginia
Died	February 26, 1992(1992-02-26) (aged 49) Wailuku, Hawaii
Spouse(s)	Stephen A. Barnett (divorced) Walter Eugene King (1980–1992)
Children	Amy DuBois Barnett
Alma mater	Antioch College University of Chicago
Profession	Professor

Barnett was born in Charlottesville, Virginia. She grew up in Buffalo, New York, and graduated from Bennett High School in 1959.[2] After graduating from Antioch College in 1964, she earned a master of science and doctoral degrees in political science from the University of Chicago. Barnett then taught at the University of Chicago, Princeton University, Howard University, and Columbia University.[3]

She was vice-chancellor for academic affairs at the City University of New York from 1983 to 1986, and chancellor of the University of Missouri-St. Louis, from 1986 to 1990. Additionally, she served on the boards of the Monsanto Company, the Educational Testing Services, the Student Loan Marketing Association (SALLIE MAE), the American Council on Education, and the Committee on Economic Development.[4] She also served on the board of directors of the Houston Grand Opera and the board of advisors of the Houston Symphony.