Tossie Whiting facts for kids
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Tossie Permelia Frances Whiting (born 1879 – died April 23, 1958) was an important American educator. She served as the Dean of Women at Virginia State University for many years, from 1919 to 1936.
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Early Life and Education
Tossie Whiting was born in 1879 in Richmond, Virginia. Her parents were Robert W. Whiting and Nancy Whiting. She grew up in the Fulton Hill area of the city.
Tossie was a dedicated student. She finished high school at Hartshorn Memorial College in 1895. Later, she earned her first college degree from the University of Chicago. She then went on to get a master's degree from Columbia University.
A Career in Education
Tossie Whiting spent most of her life working in education. In 1901, she was chosen to be a commissioner for the Negro Young People's Christian and Educational Congress. This was a big event for young Black people.
She started working at Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute in 1904. This school later became known as Virginia State University. She worked there for a very long time, until she retired in 1948.
Leading Women Students
In 1919, the school created a special job just for her: Dean of Women. As Dean, she helped guide and support the female students. She held this important role until 1936.
Tossie Whiting also helped start a new group in 1929. It was called the Association of Deans of Women and Advisors to Girls in Negro Schools. This group helped women leaders in other schools.
Teaching and Recognition
After being Dean, she became an associate professor of English at Virginia State. She taught English from 1936 until her retirement in 1948.
In 1945, Tossie Whiting received a special honor. Virginia Union University gave her an honorary doctorate degree. This was a way to recognize her great work. The famous writer and activist W. E. B. Du Bois spoke at that ceremony.
She also led the alumni group for her old high school, Hartshorn Memorial College. She was the chair from 1935 to 1947.
Family and Legacy
Tossie Whiting passed away in 1958 when she was 79 years old. Her papers, which are like her personal records, are kept at Virginia Union University.
Her family also had a strong connection to education. Her brother, Gregory W. Whiting, worked in college administration too. He worked at Bluefield State University in West Virginia. Her sister, Beatrice, was a high school teacher.
In 1958, a dormitory at Virginia State University was named Whiting Hall in her honor. This building still stands as a reminder of her lasting impact on the school and its students.
