Reatha Clark King

Reatha Clark King (May 22, 1938 – present) is an American chemist and administrator who broke barriers in both science and higher education. She earned her Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Chicago in 1963, making her one of the first African American women to achieve this distinction in the field. Her early research focused on thermochemistry and bond dissociation energies, contributing valuable data to the scientific community during the height of the Space Race. Beyond her laboratory work, King became a pioneering academic leader, serving as the first African American woman to serve as president of a major research university when she became president of Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2004. Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to increasing diversity and opportunity in STEM fields, mentoring countless students and advocating for women and minorities in science. King's work exemplifies the intersection of scientific excellence and social progress, demonstrating how individual achievement can help reshape institutional cultures and create pathways for underrepresented groups in science.