Mary Frances Early (born June 14, 1936) is an American educator who was the first African-American to earn a degree from the University of Georgia.
In addition, she was an adjunct professor at Morehouse and Spelman Colleges a music co-ordinator and supervisor of Atlanta Public Schools.
In light of this attention, she said, "It wasn't in our vocabulary to think that people were good or bad because of their skin color, so I was just sort of taken aback that it became a big issue later in my life."
On May 10, 2013, at the Spring Commencement Ceremony, Early was honored by the University of Georgia when President Michael F. Adams presented her with an honorary doctorate of laws degree.
In 2019, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved naming the UGA College of Education in her honor.