About Ronald E. McNair
Dr. Ronald Ervin McNair, the second African-American to fly in space, was born on October 12, 1950, in Lake City, South Carolina. He graduated as valedictorian from Carver High School in 1967. In 1971 he received his bachelor's degree magna cum laude in physics from North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro). He received a Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976.
Dr. Ronald E. McNair was nationally recognized for his work in the field of laser physics. Selected for the astronaut program in 1978, he was the recipient of many honorary degrees, fellowships and commendations. A sixth degree black belt in karate and an accomplished saxaphonist, he was married to Cheryl Moore and had two children - Reginald Ervin and Joy Cheray.
Dr. Ronald E. McNair and six other astronauts died in a fiery explosion aboard the space shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986.
"Before you can make a dream come true, you must first have one."
Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D.
Challenger Astronaut
1950-1986
