Robert Shaw Wilkinson (born 18 February 1865) was an educator and the second president of South Carolina State University. As president, Wilkinson instituted a building program and created a State Teacher Summer School. Before becoming president, Wilkinson taught at Kentucky State University and South Carolina State University.
Robert Shaw Wilkinson | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 18, 1865  Charleston |
| Died | March 13, 1932 (aged 67) Orangeburg |
| Alma mater | |
| Spouse(s) | Marion B. Wilkinson |
Early life
editWilkinson was born in Charleston, South Carolina on February 18, 1865, to Charles and Lavinia A. Wilkinson.[1]
He attended the Avery Normal Institute in Charleston, South Carolina.[1] In 1884, Wilkinson received an appointment at West Point Military Academy, but did not attend because he failed to pass the physical requirements.[2] Later that year, Wilkinson entered an Oberlin College preparatory program and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 1891.[2] In 1904, he earned a Ph.D from Columbia University.[2] In 1922, he earned a Doctor of Law from Allen University.[2]
Career
editBefore becoming a university president, Wilkinson taught at several institutions. In 1891, Wilkinson joined the Kentucky State University faculty, teaching Latin, Greek, and political science.[2] In 1886, he was one of the first faculty members to join South Carolina State University (SCSU), where he taught mathematics, physics, and chemistry.[2]
In 1911, SCSU's first president, Thomas E. Miller, retired and Wilkinson became president.[3] During his time as president, he instituted a building program in collaboration with Clemson University and Clafin College, as well as creating a State Teacher Summer School.[3]
Personal life
editWilkinson was married to Marion B. Wilkinson, an African American suffragist, community activist, and educator.[4] They had four children together.[4]
Death and legacy
editHe died of pneumonia on March 13, 1932, in Orangeburg, South Carolina.[4][3]
In 1938, Orangeburg's first black high school was named after Wilkinson.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b Staff, MSRC (2015-10-01). "WILKINSON, Robert". Manuscript Division Finding Aids.
- ^ a b c d e f Powers, Bernard Edward (2020). 101 African Americans who Shaped South Carolina. Columbia: The University of South Carolina Press. p. 71. ISBN 978-1-64336-139-0.
- ^ a b c "The History of South Carolina State University – South Carolina State University". 2022-09-20. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ a b c "DR. R.S. WILKINSON, EDUCATOR, DIES AT 67; President of State Agricultural and Mechanical College in South Carolina". The New York Times. 1932-03-14. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Wilkinson High School (Original site)". The Green Book of South Carolina. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
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