In Memoriam

Dr. Wilderson was the first Black professor hired into a tenure-track position at the University of Minnesota. An educational psychologist, he played a key role in the development of the university's African American studies program.

For more than 25 years, Charles H. Mitchell was an educator and administrator for the Seattle Community Colleges system, including 16 years as president of Seattle Central Community College.

An alumnus of the University of Kansas and Michigan State University, Dr. Ellison served as president of both Seattle Central Community College in Washington and Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio.

Patricia Washington McGraw taught at three institutions throughout the state of Arkansas, including the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she was hired as the first Black faculty member in 1971.

A veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, McKee was the first alumnus to serve as a professor of military science at Virginia State University. In addition to his academic and military service, he was a dedicated supporter of the HBCU's athletic programs.

Dr. Edwards was an administrator at historically Black Rust College in Mississippi for over 50 years. Throughout his tenure, he held several positions in athletics, student services, and development.

A longtime member of the University of Arkansas community, Dr. Murphy-Erby was the first woman to serve as vice chancellor of diversity and inclusion at the institution. She was a full professor of social work who studied family well-being in underserved populations and the child welfare system.

For nearly three decades, Simmons taught West African and Afro-Cuban music at Duke University in North Carolina. He frequently collaborated with the Duke Dance Program, serving as a mentor for both students and his fellow faculty members.

A scholar of civil and transportation engineering, Charles Alvin Wright spent most of his academic career on the faculty at Florida A&M University, an HBCU in Tallahassee.

For over three decades, Dr. Osiris served in various student affairs administrative roles at institutions in California and Illinois, as well as historically Black Morehouse College in Atlanta. He was also a dedicated consultant for several education-based organizations.

For more than three decades, Dr. Jackson taught English at Alabama State University. During her long tenure, she served as director of the interdisciplinary honors program and chair of the department of humanities.

Stillman College student Sieas Elliot and alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence passed away in a tragic car accident on May 23. Mourning their loss, Stillman College President Yolanda Page stated, “This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our Stillman family. The spirit of each of these proud Stillmanites will live on with all who were greeted by their warm smiles and welcoming personality."

Dr. Clark passed away on May 5 following complications from a being shot during an incident on the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology's campus in California three days earlier. She was a dean at the college and a three-time graduate of Clark Atlanta University.

At Duke University, Dr. Mudimbe served as the Neman Ivey White Professor of Literature. He was a poet, author, and interdisciplinary scholar of African identities and histories.

Dr. Green had recently retired from the presidency of Governors State University on March 1. She was the university's sixth president and first Black leader. Her background in higher education included over three decades of experience as an administrator professor of psychology.

An advocate for racial justice in education, Dr. Brown was the first Black dean of the School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he helped to establish the university's first Black cultural center.

A dedicated educator in North Carolina for six decades, Dr. Lucas was a key leader in uniting the White North Carolina Education Association and the Black North Carolina Teachers' Association in 1970. Later in life, he served as interim president of Shaw University in Raleigh.

“Ms. Wilford’s impact on Southern University, the Baton Rouge community, and beyond is immeasurable,” said John K. Pierre, Southern University chancellor. “Her leadership, service, and dedication to uplifting others have left an indelible mark on our institution and all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Andrews spent four decades as a pioneer in the nursing profession, including as a nurse educator. In 1953, Andrews was hired as the first instructor of nursing at what is now Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina.

Ambrose was a faculty member and administrator at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for over three decades. She held several leadership roles throughout her tenure, including one year of service as interim chancellor.