In 1964, Harold A. Franklin became the first African American Student at Auburn University. Unfortunately, he left the University in 1965 without the opportunity to defend his thesis. Despite not earning his degree at the time that he had hoped, Dr. Franklin returned to the University on numerous occasions for speaking engagements and notable recognitions. In 2015, he attended a ceremony for the unveiling of a marker in his honor. He received an honorary doctorate from Auburn in 2001 and in February of 2020, he successfully defended his thesis and was granted approval for the master’s degree in history that he initially pursued in 1964.
Dr. Harold A. Franklin as a student at Auburn 
Dr. Franklin speaking on campus
Since denying Dr. Franklin the opportunity to initially defend his thesis, the University has made great strides to ensure that African Americans are provided with opportunities to succeed, have representation on campus, and are celebrated for their accomplishments.
During a recent campus visit, you may have noticed the Harold D. Melton Student Center, Bessie Mae Holloway Hall, and Josetta Brittain Matthews Hall.
The Harold D. Melton Student Center was named in 2020 after Chief Justice Harold D. Melton of the Georgia Supreme Court, who became the first African American President of the Student Government Association (SGA). Chief Justice Melton studied international business and Spanish and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn in 1988.
The naming of the student center was the first time a building on campus was named after an African American, but it was not the last. Earlier this year, the University named two residence halls after two prominent members of the Auburn family. The former Tiger Hall was renamed the Bessie Mae Holloway Hall and the former Eagle Hall was renamed the Josetta Brittain Matthews Hall.
Dr. Bessie Mae Holloway, who earned a doctorate degree in education from Auburn, was the university’s first African American Board of Trustees member and she represented the 1st Congressional District from 1985-2000. She was a lifelong resident of Prichard, Alabama before passing in 2019 and worked as an educator in the Mobile County Public School System for over 25 years.
Dr. Josetta Brittain Matthews is the University’s first African American graduate. She earned a master’s degree in education in 1966 and, in 1972, she became Auburn’s first African American faculty member when she joined the College of Liberal Arts as a French and history instructor. She continued her studies at Auburn and earned a doctorate degree in 1975.
There are countless examples of Black History displayed throughout the fabric of the university and these are just a few examples. Additional stories about African American graduates of Auburn can be found on the Black Alumni Council webpage.
As you embark upon your Auburn journey, you will notice that Auburn University is a place of inclusion. You have a voice, and your voice will be heard. As a student at Auburn, you will be encouraged to be your authentic self and make changes that impact the University and the universe.