William Walter Smith: Illinois' First Black Graduate & Pioneering Engineer

Smith broke barriers as the first African American to graduate from the University of Illinois and went on to an international engineering career.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In 1900, William Walter Smith became the first African American graduate of the University of Illinois, earning both an A.B. and B.S. in Literature and Arts. He later completed a professional degree in Civil Engineering in 1907. During his time at the university, Smith was actively involved in campus life, serving as editor-in-chief of the Weekly Illini, participating in the Republican Club and Philomathean Literary Society, and playing on the class football team.

Why it matters

Smith's trailblazing academic and professional career demonstrated the potential for African American students to excel at the highest levels, even in the face of significant societal barriers at the time. His success could have served as an inspiration for future generations of students.

The details

After graduating, Smith embarked on an international engineering career, initially working with Armour & Co. in Argentina overseeing construction projects, and later transitioning to selling structural steel products in Chile. At some point, he legally changed his name to Walter Smith Oglesby.

William Walter Smith earned his first degrees, an A.B. and B.S. in Literature and Arts, in 1900.
Smith later earned a professional degree in Civil Engineering in 1907.

The players