Dr. Clifton Wharton Jr.
First Black CEO of Fortune 500 Company
In 1987, he ascended to the position of CEO at TIAA-CREF, a prominent pension and financial services organization, marking him as the inaugural Black chairman and CEO of a significant U.S. corporation and also made history as the inaugural African-American to successfully navigate the Foreign Service exam and achieve the esteemed rank of career ambassador. His academic journey commenced at Boston Latin School, followed by early entry into Harvard College at the age of 16. During his tenure at Harvard, he played pivotal roles as the national secretary and a founding member of the U.S. National Students Association. Additionally, he secured another milestone by becoming the first African American to attain a Master of Arts degree in international affairs from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Subsequently, he furthered his academic pursuits, earning a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago.
Clifton Reginald Wharton Jr. served as president of Michigan State University from October 17, 1969, to 1978, Corporate executive, and former United States deputy secretary of state, marking him as a pioneer within the African-American community across his varied professional endeavors.
Clifton Reginald Wharton Jr. was born on September 13, 1926, in Boston, Massachusetts. His father, Clifton Reginald Wharton Sr., was a groundbreaking Foreign Service officer and the first African-American career ambassador. Wharton attended Boston Latin School before enrolling at Harvard College at the remarkable age of 16. During his time at Harvard, he co-founded the U.S. National Students Association and demonstrated his leadership abilities. He later pursued graduate studies, earning a Master of Arts degree in international affairs from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, Wharton obtained a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago.
Impact and Career:
Clifton Wharton Jr. embarked on a multifaceted career marked by groundbreaking achievements and significant contributions to various sectors. His philanthropic endeavors commenced in Latin America with Nelson Rockefeller, followed by impactful roles in Southeast Asia representing the Rockefeller Foundation. His research and initiatives focused on economic development, agriculture, and international trade, leaving a lasting imprint on the regions he served.
In 1969, Wharton made history by becoming the first African-American president of a major U.S. university when he was elected president of Michigan State University. His tenure was characterized by efforts to maintain academic quality amidst budget constraints and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion. Wharton’s visionary leadership led to the integration of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the establishment of innovative programs benefitting students and faculty.
Following his successful tenure at Michigan State University, Wharton assumed the role of chancellor (president) of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, further solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in higher education. Under his leadership, SUNY experienced advancements in research capabilities and enhanced its reputation for academic excellence.
Wharton’s impact extended beyond academia into the corporate sector, where he served as chairman of the Rockefeller Foundation and CEO of TIAA-CREF, becoming the first African-American to hold such positions in major U.S. corporations. His leadership was characterized by strategic vision and crisis management, earning him recognition as an exemplary corporate leader.
Awards and Honors:
Throughout his illustrious career, Clifton Wharton Jr. has been honored with numerous awards and accolades, including the American Council on Education Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement and the John Hope Franklin Award. His contributions to education and philanthropy have been recognized through prestigious awards such as the President’s Award on World Hunger and his induction into the frieze of Boston Latin School’s Assembly Hall.
Clifton Reginald Wharton Jr. married Dolores D. Wharton, who has made significant contributions in her own right as a corporate director, foundation executive, and arts advocate. She founded The Fund for Corporate Initiatives, Inc., a non-profit organization aimed at empowering minorities and women in the corporate sector, where she served as chairman and CEO until her retirement. Dolores broke barriers by becoming the first woman and first Black director on the boards of Phillips Petroleum, Kellogg Co., and Gannett (media). Her extensive board service also includes positions at COMSAT, Michigan Bell Telephone, NY Telephone, and Capital Bank and Trust (Albany, New York).
In the realm of arts advocacy, Dolores was appointed by President Ford to the National Council on the Arts of the National Endowment for the Arts (1974–1980) and by Governor Milliken to the Michigan Council for the Arts (1971–1975). She served as a trustee of prominent institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (1977–1987), the Detroit Institute of the Arts, and the Albany Institute of History and Art (1980–1987). During her time in Southeast Asia (1958–64), she conducted a groundbreaking survey of Malaysian artists, culminating in the publication of “Contemporary Artists of Malaysia: A Biographic Survey” by the Asia Society of New York in 1972.
Dolores Wharton’s commitment to education and the arts is evident through her service as a board member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1987–1994) and trustee roles at organizations including the Asia Society, the Aspen Institute, Albany Law School, and the Fashion Institute of Technology. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts from Chicago State University and has received nine honorary Doctors of Humane Letters in recognition of her impactful contributions
Legacy:
One of the enduring legacies of Wharton’s tenure at Michigan State University was the establishment of a state-of-the-art center for the performing arts. Completed in 1982, this facility stands as a testament to Wharton’s commitment to enhancing cultural and artistic opportunities on campus. In recognition of their instrumental support for the project, the building was dedicated in honor of both Wharton and his wife, Dolores. Today, the university’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts serves as a vibrant hub for artistic expression and community engagement, proudly bearing the names of its esteemed benefactors.
Clifton Reginald Wharton Jr. leaves behind a legacy of pioneering leadership and transformative impact across academia, philanthropy, and corporate governance. His trailblazing achievements have inspired generations of leaders and continue to shape the landscape of higher education and social progress.