Emmett J. Conrad

Emmett James Conrad (October 6, 1923 – April 24, 1993) was an American surgeon and Dallas civic leader. He was the first African-American member of both the Dallas Independent School District's board of trustees and the Texas State Board of Education. After graduating from high school and briefly beginning university studies at Southern University, Conrad was drafted into the United States Army.

Prior to the year 1954, Black doctors in Dallas were not able to practice in or join the medical staffs of prominent Dallas hospitals. In 1967, Conrad became the first Black member of the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) Board of Trustees.

Awards and honors In 1993, the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program was established in order to provide the college students in Texas Senatorial District 23 an opportunity to participate in internships and community service that expand their leadership skills.

In 2006, Emmett J. Conrad High School was founded in Dallas, Texas in honor of Conrad.

Personal life Conrad married Eleanor Nelson on July 15, 1949. Emmett J. Conrad died on April 24, 1993, as a result of lung disease.