Ronald McCullough, African American genius who graduated college two years ahead of his mates at age 19

Ronald McCullough is an African American, who graduated from college two years ahead of his classmates. Considered a “child genius”, McCullough graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology honors at the age of 19.

With what many described as genius-level intelligence, McCullough skipped second grade altogether. He was 15 when he finished high school and 16 when he enrolled at Clark Atlanta University. 

With dreams of becoming an astronaut, he thereafter enrolled in the biological/agricultural engineering program at North Carolina A&T.

“I would not consider myself a genius,” McCullough said, according to a statement released by the school. “I was placed in a setting for my love of learning to manifest. Much was expected of me and there was little room for disappointment.”

McCullough earned membership in the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society. He also is said to be one of nearly 200 students who are members of the Isabella T. Jenkins Honors and Scholars Program at CAU, led by Dr. Teri Platt, according to HBCU Lifestyle.

The program sought to provide students with the “ultimate learning experience” while at CAU. Some of its goals are to nurture and foster intellectual independence and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence, the outlet reported.

“I just wake up in the morning and do the right thing,” McCullough said when asked how he had been so successful at such a young age. “Just by doing what I believe is the right thing for my future, I’ve been rewarded greatly.”

For Platt, McCullough embodies the best and the brightest “we have here at CAU.”

“He definitely represents black excellence and its many manifestations. Not only is he brilliant, he has unimpeachable character. He has contagious drive and ambition, but remains grounded,” she added.