Betty Jean Furgerson

African-American Female School Board Member
First African American woman to serve as Executive Director of the Waterloo Human Rights Commission,
Member of the Iowa Board of Regents in Waterloo, Iowa,

and the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame.

Betty Jean Furgerson was born in Waterloo, Iowa in 1927, growing up in a middle class family. Her father was a medical doctor in Waterloo and her mother was the first African-American teacher in the Waterloo Public Schools. At an early age, she learned to contribute back to her community, appreciate people and not to take her freedom and rights for granted. After her high school graduation, she obtained a Bachelors degree from the U of Northern Iowa and Masters of Social Work degree from the U of Kansas. She became Director, Waterloo Human Rights Commission. Her immense human relations skills enabled her to serve effectively on major boards such as Afro-American Radio (KBBG 88.1FM), Waterloo Community School Board, Iowa State Board of Regents, Iowa Public Television Foundation Board, etc. Her countless contributions led to her induction into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame.

Created and Updated by Chen and Jackson
July 14, 2013