Joycelyn Elders was born Minnie Lee Jones in Schaal, Arkansas on August 13, 1933. In college, she changed her name to Minnie Joycelyn Lee. In 1952, she received her Bachelor in biology from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. After working as a nurse's aid she joined the army in May, 1953. During her 3 years in the army, she was trained as a physical therapist. She then attended the University of Arkansas Medical School, where she obtained her medicinae doctor degree in 1960. Elders earned an Master of Science degree in Biochemistry in 1967.
Elders then received a National Institutes of Health career development award, also serving as assistant professor in pediatrics at the University of Arkansas Medical Center. She was promoted
Elders then received a National Institutes of Health career development award, also serving as assistant professor in pediatrics at the University of Arkansas Medical Center. She was promoted