Player, Willa B. (1909–2003)

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Player, Willa B. (1909–2003)

African-American educator. Born Aug 9, 1909, in Jackson, Mississippi; died Aug 27, 2003, in Greensboro, NC; Ohio Wesleyan University, BA; Oberlin College, MA; Columbia University, PhD.

The 1st black woman in US to head a 4-year college, began career at Bennett, a small liberal arts school for women, as a Latin and French instructor (1930), then served as its president (1955–66); became director of division of college support for US Department of Health, Education and Welfare (1966); retired (1986); was also an activist during the civil-rights movement.