Culturally Relevant Research
Provide an opportunity for minority professors to engage in culturally relevant research projects.
Our Story • Our Purpose • Our Legacy
About RAMP
For more than four decades, the Research Association of Minority Professors has created space for culturally relevant scholarship, professional connection, and the development of scholars and students across higher education.
Who We Are
An educational and scientific research organization
The inception of the Research Association of Minority Professors (RAMP) as an educational and scientific research organization began in 1975 and was led by Dr. Frank T. Hawkins from the Department of Mathematics at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas.
RAMP was organized around four major objectives designed to strengthen research, publication, scholarly presentation, and student involvement in systematic research activities.
Foundational Purpose
RAMP's Four Major Objectives
The original objectives continue to define the Association's commitment to research, scholarship, publication, and student engagement.
Scholarly Presentation
Provide minority scholars with an opportunity to present research that relates to the Black experience.
Research Publication
Provide publication of research by minorities and other scholars who address some phase of the Black experience.
Student Research
Encourage students to become involved in systematic research activities.
RAMP Position Statement
"The Research Association of Minority Professors stands in solidarity with efforts to confront racism, injustice, and systemic inequality through transformative education, economic empowerment, and the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As scholars and educators, we pledge to use our research, collective expertise, and voices to uphold the tenets of truth and justice."
Our Legacy
History of RAMP - The Inception
The early development of the Research Association of Minority Professors grew from Dr. Frank T. Hawkins’ vision for a minority research association with a refereed journal, followed by conversations, outreach, and institutional engagement that helped shape RAMP.
1975
During the Summer of 1975, Dr. Frank T. Hawkins and Donna LeBeaux, a mathematics professor and mathematics sophomore student respectively at Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU) in Prairie View, Texas, discussed Dr. Hawkins’ dream of establishing a minority research association that would include a research refereed journal. Dr. Hawkins and Ms. LeBeaux reviewed literature and discovered that the only two predominantly Black research associations did not produce a refereed journal.
1976
Dr. Hawkins discussed his idea at length with Dr. John Beasley, a professor of psychology at PVAMU. Dr. Hawkins also discussed logic and the infrastructure of research with one of the nation’s greatest researchers, Dr. George R. Woolfolk.
1977
Dr. Hawkins wrote to the Academic Affairs Officer of 107 predominantly Black colleges soliciting participation in a research association. Two institutions responded to the communication: Xavier University, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Langston University, Langston, Oklahoma.
1978
Dr. Lemuel Berry of Langston University and Dr. Frank Hawkins of Prairie View A&M University began a dialogue concerning a minority research association with the working name SWAC Research Association.
1979
Dr. Hawkins, with Dr. Tommie Hill presiding, convened a meeting at Prairie View A&M University. From this meeting, the name Research Association of Minority Professors (RAMP) was realized.
1980
Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Berry agreed to establish meeting rules, venue criteria, and invitations to predominantly Black universities for a meeting at the University of Houston in Texas.
1981
On January 30, professors and students from Langston University, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University met at the University of Houston for the initial RAMP meeting. Dr. Lemuel Berry was elected the first President and Dr. Tommie Hill was elected Vice President.
1982
The first Annual RAMP Conference was held at the Galvez Hotel in Galveston, Texas.
Founder Tribute
Dr. Frank T. Hawkins
RAMP honors the vision and leadership of Dr. Frank T. Hawkins, whose commitment to scholarly opportunity helped establish a national research organization focused on culturally relevant research and the advancement of minority professors and students.
The historical record reflects his sustained collaboration with Dr. Lemuel Berry, Dr. Tommie Hill, and other charter members who transformed an early dialogue into a lasting scholarly association.
Leadership Legacy
Past Presidents
RAMP's presidents represent a broad network of universities, colleges, health systems, and educational organizations.
| Years | President | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 - Present | Dr. LaShawn McNeil (Acting) | Virginia State University (Ettrick, VA) |
| 2023-2023 | Dr. Roslin Growe | University of Louisiana-Lafayette (Lafayette, LA) |
| 2019-2023 | Dr. Paula Montgomery | University of Louisiana-Lafayette (Lafayette, LA) |
| 2017-2019 | Dr. Pamela Freeman | Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, TX) |
| 2015-2017 | Dr. Clara Young-White | Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN) |
| 2013-2015 | Dr. Paula Montgomery | University of Louisiana-Lafayette (Lafayette, LA) |
| 2011-2013 | Dr. William A. Person | Alabama State University (Montgomery, AL) |
| 2007-2011 | Dr. Rondell E. Bailey | Harris Health System (Houston, TX) |
| 2006-2007 | Dr. Marilyn Irving | Howard University (Washington, DC) |
| 2006-2006 | Dr. Be Stoney | Kansas State University (Kansas City, MO) |
| 2004-2006 | Dr. Irvine Epps | Texas Southern University (Houston, TX) |
| 2002-2004 | Dr. Wanda Ward | Innovative Education Concepts (Boston, MA) |
| 1997-2002 | Dr. Jeffrey Guidry | Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) |
| 1995-1997 | Dr. David Chretien | University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Lafayette, LA) |
| 1993-1995 | Dr. Delindus Brown | St. Augustine's College (Raleigh, NC) |
| 1991-1993 | Dr. Bennie Adams | University of Missouri (St. Louis, MO) |
| 1987-1991 | Dr. Marilyn Iriving | University of Wisconsin (Whitewater, WI) |
| 1985-1987 | Dr. Mary S. Hawkins | Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, TX) |
| 1983-1985 | Dr. Tommie Hill-Natter | Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, TX) |
| 1981-1983 | Dr. Lemuel Berry | Langston University (Langston, OK) |
Continue the RAMP Legacy
Join a national community committed to research, leadership, mentorship, and transformative higher education.