Colonel Dr. Joseph Monroe

United States Air Force Retired Colonel (Dr.) Joseph Monroe

Dr. Joseph Monroe, a pioneering Computer Scientist and esteemed educator, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on August 19, 2024, in Greenville, South Carolina. Born in Rowland, North Carolina, Dr. Monroe's remarkable career is marked by groundbreaking achievements and a commitment to excellence that inspired countless Department of Defense and private sector leaders.

Dr. Monroe's academic journey began at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (N.C. A&T) State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and French. He continued his studies at Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University (Texas A&M), ultimately obtaining his Doctoral degree in Computer Science. Notably, Dr. Monroe became the first African American in North America to earn a doctoral degree in Computer Science.

Colonel Monroe's pioneering United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) career includes roles as the first Black faculty member and department chair. His career there was distinguished by his leadership roles, including curriculum development for the dean of the faculty, and chair of both the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Colonel Monroe was the first African American to achieve the rank of full professor at the Academy. His contributions to the development of crucial computer software systems, such as the U.S. Air Force Manpower System and the Armed Forces Intelligence Data Handling System, were instrumental in advancing military technology.

Dr. Monroe returned to his alma mater as the Ronald E. McNair Endowed Professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science, then was named Dean of the College of Engineering. The College hired the most tenured African American engineering professors in the United States under his leadership. The first Computer Science honor society, Upsilon Pi Epsilon, was also founded during that time. This service was followed by more than three decades of giving to the university with his wife, the late Sallie McNair Monroe, highlighted by their endowing a scholarship in computer science.

Throughout his career, Dr. Monroe received numerous accolades, including the U.S. Department of Defense Superior Service Medal. He was honored as National Technical Achiever of the Year by the National Technical Achievers Association. In the Spring of 2022, Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr. proclaimed Monroe Hall at N.C. A&T State University honoring his lifelong commitment to his services core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. His legacy of innovation, dedication, and mentorship will continue to resonate within the academic and professional communities he so profoundly impacted.

Dr. Monroe is survived by two sons, Joseph (Sharon) Monroe, Jr., of Phoenix, AZ; Robert Bruce (Dr. Regina) Monroe, of Greer, SC; three sisters, Gladys Edge, Lucilla Moore, and Willa Godley, all of Greensboro, NC; one brother, Dallas (Eleanor) Monroe, Sr., of Marion, SC; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Services and internment will be held on the campus of the USAFA in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Thursday, September 5, 2024, 10 a.m. MST. There will also be a memorial program in honor of Dr. Monroe on the campus of N.C. A&T State University this fall (2024). 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Joseph & Sallie Monroe Endowed Computer Science Scholarship Fund: (https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/28065/donations/new) If the Designation for the Joseph & Sallie Monroe Endowed Computer Science Scholarship Fund is not listed, then please type “other” and write in the fund.