The First African American President of Oberlin College in Ohio

Oberlin College in Ohio, founded 184 years ago, has a long history of educating African American students. Before the Civil War, fugitive slaves were provided sanctuary on campus.

But throughout its long history, Oberlin has never had an African American president. That will all change in September when Carmen Twillie Ambar will become the college’s 15th president. Today, Oberlin College enrolls about 2,900 students. African Americans make up 5 percent of the student body.

In accepting the appointment as Oberlin’s next president, Dr....