In Memoriam: Doris Wilkinson, 1936-2024

Doris Y. Wilkinson, the first Black woman to serve in a full-time faculty position at the University of Kentucky, passed away on June 22. She was 88 years old. Dr. Wilkinson began her professional career at the University of Kentucky in 1967. She left her position to teach at Macalester College in Minnesota for 15 years, eventually returning to the University of Kentucky in 1985. During her second tenure with the university, she founded the first social club for Black women, the Forum for Black faculty, the Carter G. Woodson Lecture Series for untenured faculty, and the Black Women’s Conference. She also served as the founding director of the Black studies program, which she renamed to the African American studies and research program. For her many contributions to the school, the University of Kentucky has honored Dr. Wilkinson with numerous awards and recognitions. In her name, the university has established the Doris Wilkinson Distinguished Professorship in Sociology and the Humanities, the Doris Y. Wilkinson Conference Room in Brekinridge Hall, and the Doris Y. Wilkinson Award for Leadership. She was inducted to the university’s alumni hall of fame in 1989 and received an honorary doctorate in 2019. Additionally, a collection of...