The first record showing John Newton Templeton's legacy to Ohio University was printed in the April 1, 1915 edition of the alumni publication, The Green and White. The article stated the following: "Among the contributions received for the Alumni Gateway during the past week was a substantial one from the proprietors of Hotel Berry, Mr. Ed C. Berry ll [and Mattie Madrey Berry] given in honor of John Newton Templeton, '28, who had the honor of being the first colored student to graduate in an Ohio college."
John Newton Templeton
200th Year Anniversary
John Newton Templeton 200th Year Anniversary
Ohio University is celebrating the 200th year anniversary of John Newton Templeton's enrollment and graduation from Ohio University. by commemorating the past, present, and future of his influence. John Newton Templeton (1807–1851) was born into slavery on the cotton plantation of Thomas and Anne Newton Williamson in South Carolina circa 1807. The family was emancipated in 1813 in accordance with Thomas’ will upon his death. Arriving in 1824, John Newton Templeton was the first Black graduate at Ohio University in 1828.
Learn More about Key Dates and Milestones in Templeton's Life
John Newton Templeton: A Trailblazer
A Message from Governor DeWine
Tell Your Story
OHIO will honor John Newton Templeton's legacy through opportunities where we:
- highlight the history of Black culture at OHIO
- recognize contributions to and accomplishments of OHIO's Black community
- build on the foundations created to leave a legacy for future generations
Spotlights
As we celebrate John Newton Templeton as the first Black graduate in Ohio, we recognize that "First" accomplishments are still being made. Tell us about your "First".
- Are you the first in your family or in your OHIO program to reach a specific milestone?
- What is your best memory from OHIO?
- What legacy did you or do you want to leave at OHIO, in your community, or beyond?
These stories will be collected and shared on our website.
Submit Your Story
Quilt Project
Quilts have a long history in Appalachian and Black culture. Each one of us has a story to tell...about where we've been and where we plan to go. Ohio University is asking for your help to create a community quilt (both physical and digital) to connect our stories. To help create the physical quilt, pick up your Story Packet at upcoming events or by visiting the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The packet will contain a story card and a muslin cloth square that you can decorate in whatever way you want to represent your past, present, or future. Designed quilt squares will be turned in and assembled in a large community quilt. You can also submit a picture of your completed quilt square to be included in the digital quilt.
See Ideas for Design
Download Digital Quilt Square Template [PDF]
Submit Completed Digital Quilt Square
The Legacy of John Newton Templeton
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The John Newton Templeton Outstanding Senior Leader Award
Established in 1978, the Outstanding Senior Leader – John Newton Templeton Award will be presented to one Ohio University senior in honor of the first African American student to graduate from Ohio University in 1828. This is a cumulative award and is meant to recognize a collegiate record of leadership, including significant contributions to the life of African American students on campus. All full-time undergraduate students with senior standing and a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA are eligible.
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The Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium
Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, often referred to as "Mem Aud," hosts a variety of events and lectures. Renamed in 1993 in honor of the first male (John Newton Templeton, 1828) and female (Mary Jane Hunley Blackburn, 1916 ) Black graduates of Ohio University.
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John Newton Templeton Scholarship Program
In 1828, John Newton Templeton became OHIO’s first Black graduate—and the fourth nationwide. In the spirit of his contributions, the Templeton Scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students who share Templeton's commitment to building inclusive relationships, community advocacy, and perseverance.
Don't Miss these Featured Events!
Look for the JNT table at these events to get your Story Packet
Black History at OHIO
Learn more about the important contributions of the Black community at OHIO.
Black History in Athens
Explore Black History
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Ohio University Black History Pinterest Board
Peruse materials related to Black history & African-American student life at Ohio University from collections of University Archives, Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.
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Black History Tour of Athens
This virtual tour focuses on achievements of African Americans in Athens, many of which emplaced the foundations for future successes of African Americans in and outside of our community.
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Reading List from Alden Library
Alden Library offers a collection of general and subject-specific materials on anti-racism.
Committee Members
The Division of Diversity and Inclusion would like to thank JNT200 committee members for their contributions — including their time and energy — that ensure a meaningful commemoration. If you have ideas for events or resources, please reach out to a committe member.
- Russell Morrow, Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Caryn Bailey, Senior Director of Development, Major Giving, Development
- Jenn Bowie, BSJ '94, MSC '99, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
- Tracy Carter, '93, John Newton Templeton Outstanding Senior Leader
- Joshua Cosper, '11, Russ College of Engineering and Technology
- Lisa Flowers-Clements, BS '92 and MEd '03, Director, Multicultural Center, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, John Newton Templeton Scholarship Recipient '88
- Seth Flynn, Senior Director, Advancement Communications and Marketing, University Communications and Marketing
- Courtney Kessel, MFA '12, Assistant Director for Experiential Learning - Provost Office
- William Kimok, University Archivist And Records Manager, Library
- Teresa McKenzie, '22, Accessibility and Veterans Services Coordinator at OHIO Southern
- Seana Mcneal, Alumni
- Shelli Minton, Web CMS Specialist and Training Supervisor, University Communications and Marketing
- Robin Oliver, Vice President for University Communications and Marketing
- Marcquis Parham, Assistant Director, Career and Employer Engagement, Provost Office
- Rebecca Prater, Senior Director, Alumni Engagement, Alumni Relations
- Lacey Rogers, BSVC '11, BA '11, M.Ed. '14, MPA '16, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Coordinator, City of Athens
- Megan Vogel, Chief of Staff, VP For Student Affairs
- Byron Ward, '89 John Newton Templeton Outstanding Senior Leader. Current COB Executive Advisory Board, President's Advisory Council