Yvonne Walker-Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yvonne Walker-Taylor
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| Born |
Yvonne Walker
April 16, 1931 |
| Died | October 25, 2006 (aged 75) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Wilberforce University, Boston University, University of Kansas |
| Occupation | Educator |
Yvonne Walker-Taylor (1931–2006) was a very important educator and leader. She became the 16th president of Wilberforce University. What makes her truly special is that she was the first African American woman to lead a college in the United States!
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A Life of Learning and Leadership
Yvonne Walker-Taylor was born Yvonne Walker on April 16, 1931. Her father, Dougal Ormonde Walker, was a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was also the tenth president of Wilberforce University, the same university Yvonne would later lead.
Her Educational Journey
Yvonne loved learning! She attended several universities, including Wilberforce University, Boston University, and the University of Kansas. With her strong education, she began her career as a high school teacher. In the 1950s, she became a college professor, sharing her knowledge with older students.
Rising Through the Ranks
In the 1970s, Yvonne Walker-Taylor started taking on leadership roles at Wilberforce University. She first served as the academic dean, which meant she was in charge of all the teaching and learning programs. After that, she became the provost, a very high position that helps run the entire college.
Making History as President
In 1984, Yvonne Walker-Taylor was chosen to be the 16th president of Wilberforce University. This was a huge moment! She made history by becoming the first African American woman to be a college president in the United States. She led the university until she retired in 1988.
Even after retiring from Wilberforce, she continued to work in education. She taught as a visiting professor at Central State University. Later, she served as the interim president of Payne Theological Seminary.
Community Involvement
Yvonne Walker-Taylor was also very active in her community. She was a member of many important groups. These included The Links, which is a service organization, and the NAACP, which works for civil rights. She was also a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Her faith was important to her too. She was active in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She even directed the choir and served as a Trustee, helping to manage the church's affairs.
Legacy and Recognition
Yvonne Walker-Taylor passed away on October 25, 2006. Her amazing contributions were recognized when she was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame in 2000. She will always be remembered as a pioneer in education and a true leader.
