Dr. Ronald Erwin McNair was the second African American to fly in space. He was born on October 21, 1950, in Lake City, South Carolina. He graduated as valedictorian from Carver High School in 1967 and later attended Norther Carolina A&T State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physics in 1971.

At the age of 26, he earned a Ph.D. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technolgy. Dr. McNair also received many honorary degrees, fellowships, and commendations. While working as a staff physicist with Hughes Research Laboratory, Dr. McNair became nationally recognized for his work in the field of laser physics.

His achievements were not limited to academia, however. He was a sixth degree black belt in karate and an accomplished saxophonist.

NASA selected him for the Space Shuttle Program in 1978. He and six other astronauts died aboard the space shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986. To honor Dr. McNair, the United States Congress endowed the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Proogram to encourage first generation college students from low-income backgrounds as well as students from underrepresented groups to pursue graduate studies.

Dr. McNair's legacy is carried forward by the scholarship and accomplishments of McNair Scholars Program participants across the country.