03/16/2026
Black, brilliant, & beautifully blessed Soror Dr. Mary Chapman! We celebrate you. 🩷💚
Mary Chapman | First Black Woman Dean, Des Moines Area Community College
Dr. Mary Chapman’s leadership in education has helped open doors for generations of students across Iowa. 🎓✨
A trailblazing educator and community advocate, she earned degrees from Drake University, Iowa State University, and Vanderbilt University before joining Des Moines Area Community College in 1990. There she served as Executive Dean/Provost of the Urban Campus and later as Vice President for Community and Workforce Partnerships.
Throughout her career, Dr. Chapman built partnerships with businesses, schools, and community organizations to expand job training and educational pathways for underserved youth and adults. A member of the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame and the Iowa African American Hall of Fame, she continues to advocate for economic, social, and racial justice while serving on numerous community boards. 💗💚