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Mary Frances Berry made history as chancellor of the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØ from 1976 to 1977, becoming the first Black woman to lead a major U.S. research university. Prior to CU, she served as a history professor and provost at the University of Maryland, building a reputation for academic leadership and excellence. Her time at CU, though brief, reflected a strong commitment to advancing higher education.

She left the university after being appointed Assistant Secretary for Education by President Jimmy Carter, launching a distinguished career in public service. Berry later served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, where she was chairwoman from 1993 to 2004 and a leading advocate for equality. Alongside her government work, she built an accomplished academic career at the University of Pennsylvania, teaching American social thought, history, and law. She is also the author of multiple acclaimed books on constitutional history and civil rights.

Berry earned her Ph.D. in American Constitutional History and J.D. from the University of Michigan, and her B.A. and M.A. from Howard University. She has received 35 honorary doctoral degrees and continues to hold the title of Geraldine R. Segal Professor Emerita at the University of Pennsylvania.