A Diverse Campus: Students of Color Make History
UTVS Hijabi News Anchor is First – May 1, 2008
Ruby Cora Webster was the first documented African-American student on campus. She was admitted to St. Cloud State Teachers College in 1908 and graduated from the teacher program in 1909. In 2018, 51 Building was renamed Ruby Cora Webster Hall in her honor.
Many students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and origins began attending throughout the 20th century, including Les Green, a 2-time gradute ('72, '93) who was the first African-American faculty member in the education department, and served for many years on the school board for St. Cloud Area School District 742.
May 1, 2008
Two other noteworthy students are Mnar AbuMayaleh, who was acknowledged for wearing a hijab as she anchored the news on UTVS in 2008, and Ubah Ali (2017 alum) made history as well as the first Somali American TV reporter in the Twin Cities.
Central Minnesota is home for many students of Middle Eastern, African, and Asian descent, and in the 21st century, more than 99 countries and regions are represented in the student body each year. The number of students, faculty, and staff that represent the diverse backgrounds, cultures, races, and religions on campus serve as catalysts of change, sharing their perspectives, and bringing their talents and expertise for the entire community.
Ruby Cora Webster, 1909