Marian Musgrave obtained both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Howard University before obtaining a Ph.D. from Western Reserve University. Prior to teaching at Miami University, Musgrave taught at Alcorn State University, Alabama State University, and Central State University, all of which are HBCUs. From 1969 to 1988, Musgrave was a professor in both the Department of English and the Black World Studies Program at Miami University. During her time at Miami, she advocated for the expansion and funding of the Black Studies Program and mentored many of her students.