New Mexico State University was founded in 1888 as Las Cruces College by an Indiana native named Hiram Hadley. It is now the oldest public institution of higher education in the state of New Mexico. In 1889, just one year after its founding, the school became New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. There were just 35 students and 6 faculty members. It wasn’t until 1960 when the college got its name we all recognize, New Mexico State University, and in 2017 had an enrollment of over 24,000 students.

Many students have donned the halls of the buildings of NMSU and walked through the beautiful campus in pursuit of their respective degrees. Professional football and basketball players, politicians, playwrites and more have all been awarded degrees from New Mexico State. One woman in particular who attended NMSU made history. That’s where this week’s New Mexico history begins.

Have you ever heard of Clara Belle Drisdale Williams? If not, you’re missing out on a huge piece of our state’s history.

Clara was born in Plum, TX and pursued her education on scholarship at the Prairie View Normal and Independent College, located in Prairieview, TX, graduating as valedictorian in 1905 (Heise). In 1910, she studied at The University of Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois, and then in 1928 New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. In 1937, she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English at the age of 51. Clara taught at Booker T. Washington school in Las Cruces for many years, even while attending college. During her time at The University of Chicago, she married a man named Jasper Williams, and the two had 3 sons together, Jasper Jr., James, and Charles. In the course of raising 3 young boys, Clara enrolled and graduated with her degree. The struggles she overcame are nothing shy of incredible. Segregation, motherhood, marriage, and life couldn’t stand in her way.

What makes Mrs. Williams particularly special though? She was the very first African-American to graduate from NMSU.

I want to paint you a picture here…

Clara was a determined woman.

She would wake up and go to her classes, but the moment she tried walking in the door, a professor would promptly ask her to leave because she wasn’t allowed to learn among the white students. Frustrated but not defeated, Clara would STAND outside the doorway of the classes, taking notes and listening in on the lectures. For most of her education in  fact, she had to attend classes from the hallways. She was determined to complete her education though, and despite the struggles she faced as an African-American woman in the 1920s and 30s, she had the willpower to succeed. She wasn’t even allowed to walk with her classmates to receive her diploma because of segregation laws that were enforced. Nonetheless, she succeeded in becoming the very first African-American to graduate from NMSU.

Segregation was rampant in the United States during that time. All public places were separate for white and black citizens. None were allowed to even dine or use the restroom in the same place. African-Americans were belittled and treated with little to no respect or consideration. Many overcame the obstacles of segregation and racism though, and made the world a better place because of it.

Clara Belle was a shining example of what it means to overcome adversity, because she was determined to better herself and continually become more knowledgeable. She even attended graduate courses well beyond her graduation.

Not only was Mrs. Williams impacting society, but she raised her sons to do so as well. All 3 went on to complete medical school. She succeeded despite the significant obstacles of discrimination placed before her while pursuing higher education, and impressed upon her sons to do the same.

In 1961, New Mexico State University named a street on its campus after Williams. Then in 2005 the building of the English department was renamed Clara Belle Williams Hall. In 1977, she was inducted into the National Education Association teachers’ hall of fame and in 1980 was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws degree by New Mexico State University, which also apologized for the treatment she was subjected to as a student.

At New Mexico State University there is a scholarship for undergrads in her memory.

After a long life that proved to be one to model, Mrs. Williams passed away July 3, 1994 at the age of 108. She will forever go down in history as a woman of character, courage and compassion.

References:

Writer, Kenan Heise, Tribune Staff. “CLARA B. WILLIAMS, 108, FOUNDER OF MEDICAL CLINIC”. chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2019-02-13.

Clara Belle Williams legacy | BlackDoctor”. blackdoctor.org. Retrieved 2019-10-27.

Marzell, Terry Lee (2018-02-17). “Clara Belle Williams: First in the Hearts of New Mexico State University”. Chalkboard Champions. Retrieved 2019-10-27.

jamaicapeacecouncil, Author (2018-10-02). “Clara Belle Drisdale Williams – first African-American graduate of New Mexico State University”. Jamaica Peace Council. Retrieved 2019-10-27.

Tallman, Charlotte (2014). Legendary Locals of Las Cruces. Arcadia Publishing. p. 25. ISBN 9781467101332.

Dr. P. Gould (November 12, 2015). “Clara B. Williams: The True Definition of Praise Him in the Hallway”. Retrieved October 31, 2019.

“Clara B. Williams Family Endowed Scholarship”. College of Education. Retrieved 2019-02-13.

“Biography of Clara Belle Williams”. New Mexico State University. Retrieved December 12, 2015.

“New Mexico’s African American Legacy: Visible, Vital, Valuable”. New Mexico History Museum. 2011. Retrieved December 13, 2015.