Louise Nixon Sutton

Louise Nixon Sutton (November 4, 1925 – May 14, 2006) was a mathematician. She was the first African-American woman to be awarded a PhD in mathematics education by New York University, and the first chair of the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics at Elizabeth City State University.

Early life and education Sutton was born in Hertford, North Carolina. Her parents were Annie McNair Nixon and John Calhoun Nixon, and she had three brothers: John Stuart Nixon, Norris Lee Nixon, and Thomas Rufus Nixon.

Career After gaining her degrees, Sutton taught mathematics at James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, from 1946 to 1947. She was very interested in math at school. From 1947 to 1954 she was assistant professor at North Carolina A&T State University, before moving to hold the same position at Delaware State College from 1957 to 1962.

In 1962 she became Professor and Chair of the Physical Sciences and Mathematics Department at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

Sutton was a member of the North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Association, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, National Association of University Women, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She was Chairperson of the National Association of University Women from 1977 to 1978, and a member of Alpha Kappa Mu, and Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Society.

Personal life Sutton died at home in Hertford, North Carolina, on May 14, 2006. She had been an active member of the St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church, NAACP, George Washington Carver Floral Club, Arabia Court No. 35 of Daughters of Isis, and the North Carolina State Retired Employees Association.