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Year:1965
Who: Julian Manly Earls
Where: Glenn Research Center, Brooks Park, Ohio
What: Julian Manly Earls is a NASA physicist who was appointed to various leadership positions, making him NASA’s first black section head, office chief, division chief, deputy director, and NASA's second black center director.
Born in 1942 in Portsmouth, Virginia, Dr. Earls’ academic journey began early, skipping first grade and excelling in math and science. He earned a B.S. in Physics from Norfolk State University in 1964 and an M.S. in Radiation Biology from the University of Rochester in 1965. That same year, he joined the NASA Glenn Research Center, where his expertise quickly earned him leadership roles, including head of the Health Physics and Licensing section within three years.
While working, Dr. Earls furthered his education, earning a Ph.D. in Radiation Physics from the University of Michigan and completing the Harvard Business School Program for Management Development. His work contributed to health physics and radiological safety, producing NASA’s first health physics guides and advancing programs in space propulsion, communication, and microgravity sciences.
Promotions followed as Dr. Earls rose to Chief of the Health, Safety, and Security Division in 1983, Director of the Office of Health Services in 1988, and eventually, Center Director in 2003. Beyond his technical achievements, Dr. Earls championed diversity, inspiring Black youth to pursue STEM careers and advocating for equitable representation in NASA leadership.
After retiring in 2005, he served as Executive in Residence at Cleveland State University, continuing to mentor and inspire students. Dr. Earls’ distinguished career earned him prestigious NASA medals, honorary degrees, and the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive. A member of organizations like the NAACP and NSBE, Dr. Earls remains a beacon of excellence and inspiration.
Sources:
Websites:
St. Clair County Community College Library. (n.d.). Julian M. Earls - African American Scientists. https://sc4.edu
Capitol Technology University. (n.d.). Dr. Julian Manly Earls: Man of many NASA firsts. https://www.captechu.edu/blog/dr-julian-manly-earls-man-of-many-nasa-firsts
The HistoryMakers. (n.d.). Julian Manly Earls biography. https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/julian-manly-earls-40
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