Dr. Sydney Freeman, Jr. has been promoted to full professor at University of Idaho, making him the first African American man, descended from slaves, in the rank at the school, The Idaho News reported.
Dr. Sydney Freeman, Jr.Freeman, 36, earned the rank in five years and seven months on tenure track, he said. For most faculty, it takes 10 to 12 years to do so, with average age being 55.
Freeman, a frequent contributor to Diverse, graduated in 2011 from Auburn University with a degree in higher education administration. He worked at Tuskegee University as director in the Teaching and Learning Center before transitioning to the University of Idaho.
Dr. Wudneh Admassu was the first person of African descent – born and raised in Ethiopia – to become UI full professor. In 2019, Professor Shaakirrah Sanders became and is the only Black woman to be a full professor at the school.
