Ernest Everett Just

Did You Know?

Ernest Everett Just, Embryologist

Dr. Ernest Everett Just isn't a household name, but he should be. Raised primarily by his mother, Mary Just, a Gullah community leader and educator in South Carolina, Dr. Just was a certified teacher by 15, but proceeded to enroll in a New Hampshire boarding school to further his education. 

He ultimately graduated as the valedictorian and only Magna Cum Laude honors recipient of the Dartmouth College (LeVaur's alma mater!) Class of 1907. Just was denied the opportunity to give the traditional valedictorian address because of the fear that a Black valedictorian would offend other students and commencement attendees. 

An endowed professorial chair has since been established in his name.

Dr. Just's discoveries in embryology (the study of cell fertilization) in marine life set the groundwork for much of what we currently understand about egg cells and fertilization. 

During his time at Howard University (where he taught biology), Dr. Just was also instrumental in founding Omega Psi Phi fraternity, one of the Divine 9 historically black greek letter organizations.

Alistair loves learning about animals of all kinds, especially marine animals. We thought Dr. Just would be a perfect pick!