I. M. Terrell

Isaiah Milligan Terrell (January 3, 1859 – September 28, 1931) was an American educator. He was Principal of Prairie View A&M University from 1915 to 1918. He also served as president of Houston Baptist Academy and as superintendent of the Houston Negro Hospital.

Early life and education Terrell was born on January 3, 1859, near Anderson, Texas, the son of blacksmith Alexander Terrell and Nancy (née Oneil) Terrell. He was educated at a private school, by two missionaries, and in 1881, graduated from Straight University, with a Bachelor of Arts. He later received a Master of Arts from the university.

Career In 1881, Terrell became a private educator in Anderson. where he was appointed by superintendent Alexander Hogg, to the East Ninth Street Colored School, the city's first black public school.

In 1885, Terrell cofounded the Colored Teachers State Association of Texas. In 1890, he was made principal and superintendent of Grimes County Colored Schools. From May 1910 to 1915, he was principal of North Side Colored High School No. 11, the successor school to the East Ninth Street Colored School. In 1921, North Side Colored High School No. 11 was renamed I.M. Terrell High School, in his honor.