---
title: UMD Mourns the Loss of Trailblazer Elaine Johnson Coates ’59
date: 2026-02-19T05:30:00-05:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/umd-mourns-the-loss-of-trailblazer-elaine-johnson-coates-59"
section: Articles
---
# UMD Mourns the Loss of Trailblazer Elaine Johnson Coates ’59

*February 19, 2026* — by [Emily Schuster](/author/emily-schuster)


> Coates Endured Hardships to Become the First Black Woman to Receive an Undergraduate Degree From UMD

*Commencement SC 05242019 2456 1920x1080 — Elaine Johnson Coates '59 addressed graduates at the university's 2019 commencement ceremony: “I stand upon this podium and look out at the diversity in the beautiful faces of this graduating class,” she said, “and it tells me that my journey mattered.” (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)*

Elaine Johnson Coates ’59, the first Black woman to receive an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, died on Saturday at the age of 88.

She persevered through discrimination and social isolation in her education to become a teacher and social worker who reconnected with her alma mater in recent years to inspire new generations of Terps.

"Elaine Johnson Coates was a trailblazer and hero of the University of Maryland,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “Her determination, intelligence, empathy and leadership in the face of obstacles was truly heroic, and the life of every Terp is better for her accomplishments and journey in making our university a place for everyone."


*Elaine Johnson Coates yearbook photo*


*Coates speaks at the 2022 dedication of Johnson-Whittle Hall — Coates speaks at the 2022 dedication of Johnson-Whittle Hall. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)*


As an alum, Coates developed a close relationship with the College of Education community. In 2021, College of Education alum Patricia Koskinen Ph.D. ’75 and John Koskinen founded the merit-based [Elaine Johnson Coates ’59 Scholarship](https://giving.umd.edu/make-a-gift?kwoDCpreselect=KDC-ED31539), awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to promoting racial diversity through service or activism or who distinguish themselves through notable research. Coates regularly attended the college’s Alumni of Color Celebration, an annual event that raises funds for the [scholarship](https://education.umd.edu/news/05-16-25-2025-elaine-johnson-coates-%E2%80%9959-scholarship-recipients-honored). In 2024, the College of Education commissioned and permanently installed a [portrait](https://education.umd.edu/news/11-22-24-college-education-installs-portrait-elaine-johnson-coates-%E2%80%9959-first-black-woman) of Coates by Baltimore artist Ernest Shaw Jr. in the main lobby of the college’s Benjamin Building.

“Dr. Coates’ courage, brilliance and grace left a permanent imprint on all who had the opportunity to be in her presence,” said Kimberly Griffin, dean of the College of Education. “She set an example for all of us of what it means to fight and sacrifice for what is right and good.”

Coates’ family recalled her many words of wisdom to her mentees, family and friends, including “Turn every scar into a star;” “It doesn’t matter what they call you, it’s what you answer to that matters;” and “When you walk into a room, have your back straight, your shoulders high and your head up—walk in with pride.”

As she addressed the graduates at UMD’s 2019 Commencement, Coates reflected on her legacy and its impact: “I stand upon this podium and look out at the diversity in the beautiful faces of this graduating class … and it tells me that my journey mattered.”

Coates is survived by her two children, Jason Hamilton Coates and Dr. Tamara Elmira Coates-Walker, both University of Maryland alums, and many other relatives, friends and mentees.

A homegoing celebration will be held on campus on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Memorial Chapel, 7744 Regents Drive, where the family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m., with services to follow. [Livestream](https://umd.zoom.us/j/92769808148) is available for those who wish to join virtually. Those who are so inclined may consider donating to the [Elaine Johnson Coates ’59 Scholarship](https://giving.umd.edu/make-a-gift?kwoDCpreselect=KDC-ED31539) in Coates’ memory.




**Topics:** [People](https://today.umd.edu/tags/people)


**Tags:** [Alumni](https://today.umd.edu/topic/alumni), [Multicultural Community](https://today.umd.edu/topic/multicultural-community)


**Units:** [College of Education](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-education)