Recognizing the Career of Dr. Joseph Carter Corbin

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Professor Joseph Carter Corbin and his contributions to education in the state of Arkansas. Mr. Corbin was an educator, journalist, mathematician, and scholar. He became one of the most educated men of his day, earning an Artium Baccalaureus degree and two master's degrees from Ohio University.

In 1872, Professor Corbin made the Natural State home for him and his family. He was then elected as the Superintendent of Public Instruction and President of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Mr. Corbin recognized the need for teachers and laid the foundation for a teacher's college of the ``poorer class.'' Branch Normal College of the Arkansas Industrial University is what we now know as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Professor Corbin became the first African American superintendent of public education in Arkansas, and he had a profound impact on the school. He worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of Arkansas's black educators. His dedication to serving the people of Pine Bluff is most admirable, and his legacy shall not be forgotten.

I want to thank Professor Corbin for making such a deep and lasting impact on his community, the 4th District of Arkansas, and our country. I hope his record of service will be an inspiration to all who follow in his footsteps. I am proud to recognize September 27, 2023, as Professor Joseph Carter Corbin Day in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

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