06/19/2026
Did you know that Oregon State University’s first Black graduate earned her bachelor’s degree 100 years ago, in 1926?
Carrie Halsell, ’27, went on to earn a master’s degree and build a career in higher education, teaching business courses at South Carolina State University.
Halsell graduated at a time when Black students were not permitted to live on campus at Oregon State. In 2002, the university named Halsell Hall, a residence hall, in honor of this trailblazing alumna and her role in Oregon State history. 🧡🖤
Photo courtesy of the 1927 Beaver yearbook.