Archibald Alphonso Alexander (May 14, 1888January 4, 1958) was an American architect and engineer. He was an early African-American graduate of the University of Iowa and the first to graduate from the University of Iowa's College of Engineering. He was also a governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Early life and education

Alexander was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Price and Mary Hamilton Alexander, part of a small African American community. He was the eldest of their nine children. When the family moved to a farm outside Des Moines, Price became head custodian at the Des Moines National Bank. Alexander graduated from Oak Park High School in 1905. He then attended Highland Park College and Cummins Art College before matriculating at the State University of Iowa (later known as the University of Iowa) to study engineering. Not only was Alexander the only African-American student at the University at the time, but he was the first African-American student to graduate from the University of Iowa's engineering program. He graduated in 1912. His professors warned Alexander that it would be difficult for him to find work as an African-American engineer.

In 1926, Alexander was honored with a Harmon award for his distinguished achievement in business and engineering. The same year, he also received the Laurel Wreath Award, Kappa Alpha Psi's highest award for lifetime achievement. Alexander's firm became so successful Ebony magazine declared it "the nation's most famous interracial business" in 1949.

In 1925, the University of Iowa granted him an honorary master's degree in engineering. the NAACP does not list him as a recipient.

Politics

Alexander began his political career in 1932, when he served as the assistant chairman of the Iowa Republican State Committee, a position that he held again in 1940.

The Archie Alphonso Alexander papers are held at the University of Iowa Special Collections & University Archives.

References

  • The National Society of Black Engineers
  • The Archie Alexander Papers are housed at the University of Iowa Special Collections & University Archives.
  • African American History Program