MSU Denver celebrates over 40 years of Rachel B. Noel’s legacy

Metropolitan State University of Denver is celebrating over 40 years of the Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professorship. Noel was a pioneer for education equity and was the first African American woman elected to public office in Colorado. She was also the first African American elected to the Denver Public Schools Board of Education and the first African American member and chair of the University of Colorado Board of Regents. 

Before joining MSU Denver, Noel played a critical role in Denver history by authoring a resolution that led to a landmark decision affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court to desegregate Denver’s public school system. She then came to MSU Denver as a teacher of Sociology and African American Studies in 1969 and served as chair of the African American Studies Department from 1971-80.  

In honor of these and many other accomplishments, MSU Denver established the Noel Professorship in 1981. The professorship brings renowned scholars and artists of distinction to the University to conduct classes, seminars, performances and lectures. This year’s Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professor and keynote speaker is Calvin Mackie, Ph.D., a decorated mentor, inventor, author and entrepreneur. In 2013, Mackie founded the nonprofit STEM NOLA to engage New Orleans learners in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. After engaging over 70,000 K-12 students in STEM activities in his community, Mackie expanded into STEM Global Action to reach students across the United States and the world. 

He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science from Morehouse College. He also earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech.