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  Full Series: Legendary Ladies of Lincoln

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln was a physical exibit at Inman E. Page Library in February and March, 2019. Composed of digitized photographs from the University Archives, these brief historical and biographical sketches memorialized women who have contributed something to Lincoln University and the world at large.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Althea Gibson

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  One quote from Venus Williams sums up what Ms. Gibson did for this world, “For players like myself and a lot of other African American players on the tour, Althea Gibson paved the way for us”. Althea Gibson was born in Silver, South Carolina on August 25, 1927. She grew up in a poor family in Harlem but mastered tennis at an early age. She enrolled in Florida A&M and, after graduation in 1953, worked at Lincoln University as a Physical Education instructor.Ms. Gibson was the first African American woman to win the Wimbledon and U.S. Championships in 1957, and the French Open and three double titles at Wimbledon in 1958. After retiring, she toured with the Harlem Globetrotters. Althea Gibson passed away at the age of 76 in 2003.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Ann Marie McSwain

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Dr. Ann Marie E. McSwain is a first-generation college graduate, a proud 1989 alumni and the first alumna to serve in the role of Dean for the School of Nursing. She was born in London, England to Jamaican parents. She lived in Jamaica for ten years prior to moving to the United States as a senior in high school. She began teaching at Lincoln University in 2004 as clinical faculty in the AAS nursing program. Later she taught in the RN-BSN program. She has since been promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, tenured, served as Department Head, and currently serves as the Dean.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Azalea E. Martin

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Azalea Martin, a native of Valley Falls, Kansas was a Teacher Education professor at Lincoln University from 1930 to 1957. She received her undergraduate degree from Fisk University and earned her Masters in Education at Columbia University (NY) in 1930 and came to Lincoln the same year. Ms. Martin was one of the original “Black Harvard of the Mid-West” faculty members and she had a profound influence on her students for many years. At her retirement in 1957, she was lauded by Dr. Sidney Reedy as, "an example for all students to emulate." Martin Residence Hall on the Lincoln University campus is named in her honor.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Carolyn A. Banner

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Carolyn had a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Langston University and a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of Minnesota. In 1959 Carolyn came to Lincoln as acting principal of the laboratory Elementary School and Supervisor of Elementary Student Teaching. She nurtured and taught hundreds of Lincoln’s students to be the finest, most qualified teachers in the country. The awards she received were citations, and honors: AAUW Woman of Achievement Award, and the MUATE Outstanding Teacher Educator Award. She was elected the first Black President of AAUW in 1965. She was appointed to the Mayor’s Census and Redistricting Committee in 1981. On June 21st, 1985 Mayor George Hartsfield declared that day as “Carolyn Banner Day” in Jefferson City. Carolyn Banner retired from Lincoln University in July 1985. She passed away in 2005.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Carolyn R. Mahoney

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Dr. Carolyn Mahoney initiated her undergraduate career at Mount St. Scholastic College in Atchison, Kansas, and returned to her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee to attend and graduate Summa Cum Laude with the Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mathematics from Siena College. She received a Master’s of Science degree in 1972 and a PhD degree in 1984, both in mathematics, from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Mahoney was the 18th President and the first female president of Lincoln University. She brought a depth of familiarity with public and educational organization to Lincoln University. Her involvement in establishing a university on the west coast coupled with her experience as a professor and administrator, gave Mahoney the experience she needed to guide Lincoln University. Enrollment increased under her leadership and Lincoln added the Sherman Scruggs Residence during her administration. President Mahoney retired in 2012.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Caroyln V. Atkins

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Dr. Carolyn V. Atkins was born September 21, 1930, in Saint Louis, Missouri. She received a BA in Criminal Justice from Morgan State University, Masters Degrees from Washington University and the University of Central Missouri and a PhD in Criminal Justice from St. Louis University. In 1971, she was employed by the Missouri Department of Corrections as Superintendent of the Tipton Correctional Center for Women in Tipton, Missouri. Dr. Atkins was the first African-American to serve as a warden for the State of Missouri. In 1985, Dr. Atkins joined the faculty of Lincoln University in Jefferson City as an Assistant Professor Criminal Justice, retiring in 2002 as a tenured full Professor of Criminal Justice. Dr. Atkins passed away in 2012 in Jefferson City, MO

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Debra Foster Greene

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Dr. Debra Foster Greene is a native of Natchez, Mississippi. She received a Bachelor’s degree in History from Alcorn State University and both Masters and Doctorate degrees in History from the University of Missouri. Debra served in the Missouri National Guard and was employed with the Missouri State Archives and Department of Economic Development before coming to Lincoln University in 1996. While at Lincoln, Dr. Greene served in several capacities, including Professor, President of the Faculty Senate, Interim Provost and Interim VP-Academic Affairs. She was instrumental in gaining additional recognition of Lincoln’s Hilltop Campus Historic District. Dr. Greene retired in December, 2018 and resides in Jefferson City.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Edna Chavis

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  As an advocate for the elderly, Edna Chavis has made many improvements for seniors. She worked for the Social Security Administration for eleven years, where she recognized that “older people are the same as anyone = with the same wants and desires.” She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science and a teaching certificate from Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Science Degree in Adult Education from Tuskegee Institute, and a PhD Degree in Social Gerontology and Adult Education from the University of Missouri. At Lincoln University, Chavis emphasized to her students that aging is a natural process. Dr. Chavis is retired and resides in Indiana.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Elizabeth Briscoe Wilson

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Elizabeth Briscoe Wilson served as Lincoln University Library Director at Inman E. Page Library from 1988 to 2010; the longest tenure of that position in the history of the institution. Born in Salina, Kansas, Mrs. Wilson graduated from Lincoln University in 1965 and then earned a Masters in Library Science from Alabama A&M. After serving at schools worldwide, she returned to Lincoln as a reference librarian and became the Library Director in 1988. Elizabeth led the crusade to build a new library on the Lincoln campus to replace the original Page Library facility. The new modern building opened in 1997. Wilson was also instrumental in forming the Library Science minor program before her retirement. Mrs. Wilson now enjoys traveling with her husband Robert.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Elizabeth "Miss Liz" Morrow

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Elizabeth “Miss Liz” Morrow has been a Lincoln campus leader and inspirational force for many years. Elizabeth, a native of Saint Louis, Missouri, graduated from Lincoln in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Liz decided to stay with her Alma Mater as an Admissions Counselor and work on an MBA degree. She also found time to be a coach for the Blue Tiger Cheerleading team. Liz received her Masters in 2007 and was named Registrar of the University, a position she holds to this day. In the fall of 2017, Elizabeth Morrow was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her treatment, “Miss Liz” bravely shared her experience on social media via words and images. The response of support for Liz from her fellow Lincolnites was overwhelming.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Faye Tull Carter

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Faye Tull Carter obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Home Economics from Lincoln University in 1938. Upon receiving a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, Carter was appointed the Librarian at Lincoln University Laboratory High School. She was later transferred to the University library, Inman E. Page Library, where she remained until her retirement in 1989. During her years of service, Carter was promoted to the level of Assistant Professor. She taught courses in Library Science and Children’s Literature. Carter’s duties at Inman E. Page Library included creating displays, arranging picture collections and organizing the research material for teachers and students in the Education Department. She also established the Children and Young Adult Literature Collection. Mrs. Carter passed away in 2013.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Harriet Robinson

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Born on September 10, 1917, in Jefferson City, Harriet Robinson is a child of two Lincoln University alumni. Robinson and her siblings also attended Lincoln Laboratory School and the University, but she was unable to finish her degree due to the Depression. In 1969 she was hired at Lincoln University as a switchboard operator, and later worked as a library assistant at Page Library. For twenty-three years, Robinson helped students and faculty with their research, retiring in 1992. While at Page Library, she also had other responsibilities, such as keeping the Lincoln Collection. She recognized the historical importance of objects, salvaging things such as the “Blue Tiger” Café Window. Robinson has assisted people working on graduate and doctoral degrees, and several books have been dedicated to her. She passed away in 2010.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Hazel McDaniel Teabeau

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Hazel McDaniel Teabeau was born in Arkansas in 1892, and she received her BA in English from the University of Kansas in 1915. Her interest in social causes and concern for civil rights are prevalent in her accomplishments. In 1937, she joined the Lincoln University English Department faculty, where she taught for twenty years. While on sabbatical from Lincoln University, Teabeau became the first black woman to enroll at the University of Missouri. She enrolled there at the age of 57 to seek a PhD in Speech and Dramatics, and in 1959 she became the first black woman to receive a doctorate from the University of Missouri. Ms. Teabeau passed away in 1969.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Ida Ballard Simon

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Ida Ballard Simon served as Miss Lincoln University for the 1970-71 academic year. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1971. She earned the Master’s of Education Degree from Theological Seminary in New York City. Ida Simon became the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and the Executive Director of the Lincoln University Foundation. She was known for her fundraising activities at Lincoln University.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Jackie Peeples

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Jackie Peeples was just a child at the time, but she played a crucial role in the Civil Rights movement regarding school segregation. In the 1973 case of Brown v Dade Christian School, it was ruled that schools could not segregate due to religious belief. Jackie and her younger sister were exposed to the scrutiny of the media and the young girls exhibited grace and poise under pressure. Jackie later attended Lincoln University in the early 1980s and returned to LU to finish her degree in nursing in 1999. She resides in Jefferson City. Of her landmark court case, Jackie stated,” I hope that the young people realize the struggle that we had to go through so that they would have the opportunities available to them now.”

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Jerald Jones Woolfolk

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Dr. Jerald Jones Woolfolk, a native of Mississippi is the 20th President of Lincoln University of Missouri. She is the second woman to serve in that capacity. Woolfolk holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Jackson State University; a Master of Science in Counselor Education from Iowa State University; and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University. Dr. Woolfolk has had academic and administrative tenures at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, SUNY-Oswego and CUNY-Staten Island. Her goal for Lincoln University is to “to make Lincoln best in class. I look forward to the journey ahead. I look forward to knocking out those challenges we have. We may have challenges, but they are not insurmountable."

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Josephine Silone Yates

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Josephine Silone Yates was very active at Lincoln University during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was one of Lincoln University’s best known teachers during this time and was the first woman elected to a professorship with the university. Yates served Lincoln University as the Head of the Department of Natural Science from 1879- 1889 and Head of the Department of English and History from 1902- 1910. Josephine Silone Yates was also very active outside of Lincoln University being elected the first president of the Kansas City Women’s League, which was a women’s club that she helped organize in 1893. She also contributed under the pseudonym R.K. Porter to the Boston Herald and the Los Angeles Herald. Yates was involved with and contributed greatly to the National Association of Colored Women’s Club serving as President from 1901- 1906.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Learntene Enlow

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  A native of McCarey, Mississippi, Learntene Branch Enlow earned her Bacherlor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1953. Mrs. Enlow taught at Washington Elementary, Caruthersville, MO; Pruitt Elementary, Saint Louis, MO and Eastgate Elementary, Columbus Ohio. She returned to Jefferson City to earn a Master of Elementary Education at Lincoln University.Learntene was a leading proponent of the Lincoln University Day Care Center and taught there for many years. She retired in 1999. Learntene Enlow passed away in 2014 in Jefferson City, MO.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Lorine F. Knight

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Lorine Frankie Knight was born in Readyville, TN. Dr. Knight majored in home economics with a minor in physical science at Tennessee A&I State University. During her senior year she was offered a scholarship by Howard University, which she accepted immediately. Nine months later, she was granted a master’s degree. While she was finishing her Ph.D. at Cornell, Dr. Oscar J. Chapman, Dean of Instruction at Lincoln University, came to New York to interview Dr. Knight for a position at Lincoln University. The position included bring a classroom professor and the Department Head of Education. Dr. Knight served Lincoln University for nearly 30 years. She was also involved in the local chapter of the NAACP.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Lorraine Graham

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Lorraine Graham put the name of Lincoln University in the spotlight during the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Graham, a native of Manchester, Jamaica, set many national high school track records before coming to Lincoln in 1995 on a track scholarship. Majoring in Criminal Justice, she went on to set NCAA Division II records in the 400 meter indoor and as a member of the 4 x 400 meter indoor relay. Both records were set at the NCAA II Championships in 1997. Lorraine graduated in 1999 but her track career was far from over. At the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney Australia, Lorraine Graham won the silver medal in the 400 meters. Representing her native country, Jamaica, Graham ran the outdoor event in a time of 49.58. Her track career continued until 2006 when she suffered an injury, forcing her retirement. She resides in Jamaica.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Margaret Bush Wilson

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Margaret Bush Wilson was a woman of highly exceptional stature. She accomplished much in her life; the most prominent being the first female on the N.A.A.C.P. national board of Directors. Much of her career consisted of civil rights and urban development. Before Mrs. Wilson focused on her civil rights path, she was valedictorian of her graduating high school class. After completing her high school career, she began to study abroad, traveling to over six countries. These included: England, France, Ceylon, Japan, and her most extraordinary visit to India. Here Margaret met and spoke with Mahatma Gandhi which fueled her passion of the civil rights movement in the United States. Mrs. Wilson pursued a law degree at Lincoln University Law School after completing her Bachelor’s at Talladega University. Margaret possessed a strong spirit and compassion towards humanity and is a Civil Rights icon. Mrs. Wilson passed away in 2009.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Misty Turner Young

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Misty Turner Young is a native of Jefferson City and a graduate of Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. In 2005, she returned to her alma mater to serve as a Communications Specialist in the Office of University Relations, which is now known as the Office of Communications and Marketing. In 2006, she was promoted to her current position of Director of Communications and Marketing. Prior to her years at Lincoln University, Young was employed at KRCG, KMIZ, Learfield Communications and the United Way of Central Missouri. Most importantly, she is a mother of three, Rayonna (a 2018 graduate of Lincoln University!), Sierra and Brandon.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Myrtle Livingston Smith

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  Myrtle Livingston became a physical education instructor in 1928 at Lincoln University. She established several formal athletic programs for female students. Livingston’s contributions made it possible for females to engage in principal sports for the first time. Livingston was also very active as a dancer and formed the first chapter of the Orchesis Group in 1936; the first chapter to be formed at a black college. The group gave performances in tap and interpretive dance. In addition to these activities, she taught first aid to Jefferson City citizens during World War II and wrote several plays during this time period. Livingston died in Hawaii, only one and a half years into her retirement. There is a park named in her honor on Lincoln University’s campus that remains open today.

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  Legendary Ladies of Lincoln: Okine Codlyn

  Mark Schleer and Ithaca Bryant

  A native of Jamaica, Okine Codlyn came to Lincoln University in 2007 and immediately made an impact. As she was earning degrees in Drafting Technology and Civil Engineering Technology, Okine joined the Lincoln University Lady Blue Tiger Track and Field team where she was a standout performer; earning several All-American honors. One of her greatest athletic accomplishments came when she stood tall on the podium for her personal event- the Women's Heptathlon - at the 2008 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in California. Quite a feat for “Lady O”! Okine Codlyn busied herself on campus as secretary of the International Students’ Club, a Resident Assistant, and Page Library student worker. After graduating, she now lives in Atlanta where she earned a Masters in Divinity and is currently pursuing a degree in business.