Evelyn Thornton, a professor of mathematics at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, died on July 15. She was 81 years old.
Dr. Thornton grew up in San Antonio, Texas. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Texas Southern University in Houston. In 1973 she became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics at the University of Houston.
During her 40-year teaching career at Prairie View A&M University, Dr. Thornton served as director of the graduate program in mathematics, chair of the department of mathematics, and director of the Undergraduate Research Institute.
Dr. Thornton was dedicated to encouraging more women to study mathematics and other STEM disciplines. At the time of her death, she had just completed a grant project working with seventh and eighth grade girls and their mothers to increase interest in STEM fields.