March is known as Women’s history month. Women have had remarkable movements and made so much significant progress in history, from obtaining their right to vote to working towards more equality within the workplace. According to Ashlye Wilkerson, a Winthrop alumnus, “Women are the carrier[s] of life and literally birth nations. We are the thread in the fabric of what ties humanity together. Our role of connecting communities, caring for families, advocating for rights and nurturing our children [is] important to the growth and development of our country.” The world has seen so many spectacular women. Of course, Winthrop has been graced with so many memorable women who have made powerful movements as well.
Martha Kime Piper was one of Winthrop’s most memorable women. In 1986, Piper made history by being named Winthrop’s first woman president. While she was in leadership, the College of Visual and Performing Arts was established. Piper was also known for her efforts to make the campus more beautiful and appealing, as seen today–and she did an excellent job! She also worked hard for many structural renovations around campus as well. She passed away in 1988 as a legendary woman on campus and is remembered with her picture displayed in Tillman Hall.
Cynthia Roddey Roddey was Winthrop’s first ever African-American woman and another significant figure in women’s history. Roddey was the first to enroll at the university and she was also the first African-American graduate student at Winthrop. The Rock Hill native came to Winthrop in 1964 with two bachelor’s degrees from Johnson C. Smith University. Roddey graduated with a master’s degree in library science in August 1967 and was also a member of the first Black Alumni Advisory Committee. Roddey shares the honor of a university scholarship named for her and Delores Johnson Hurt, Arnetta Gladden Mackey, and Sue Frances Meriwether Steed—three other Afro-American women. The Roddey-McMillan Record, Winthrop’s monthly multicultural student newspaper, also carries her name.
Ashlye Wilkerson is a more modern version of one of Winthrop’s finest women. Wilkerson graduated from Winthrop University back in 2002. She was Ms. Winthrop 2005, Ambassador, Student Alumni Council, AKPsi, Resident Assistant in Phelps and Lee Wicker, PSTA Chartering President, Alpha Omega, Model UN and Psychology Club. She now serves as a Winthrop University Board of Trustees member. She is also a wife and a mother of two. She also writes books and is the overseer of organizations across South Carolina. Wilkerson believes that women are powerful and shares her own view of women’s history month. as well and shares her own encounters with her favorite woman.
“Women’s history month is a particularly special time because it highlights the contributions, achievements, and accomplishments of women to our communities and society,” Wilkerson said. “Women are the backbone of our country and I think it’s imperative to have opportunities that show the value of women and advance equality among all citizens.” Wilkerson shared who her favorite woman is and what wonderful characteristics she displays.
“My favorite Wonder Woman is my mother,” Wilkerson said. “She always instilled in me that my life was important and that I could do anything I put my mind to. She continues to serve as my cheerleader, role model, and support system.” Wilkerson talked about how other “Wonder Women” played an impactful part in her life.
“Women have played a large instrumental role in impacting my life. My mother, grandmothers, teachers, doctors, and female leaders in my community are often credited for the valuable lessons learned and gained on my journey. I truly believe it’s because of all of them that I am who and where I am today.” Wilkerson also shared how she is striving to be an impactful woman and build her own legacy.
“First and foremost, I am a wife and mother of two girls. I strive to be the best example of a woman for them to have as a guide as they grow and develop into the women they will be. I also believe that when women work together, incredible things happen. I seek to empower all women and young ladies so that they too can achieve their dreams and achieve the goals they set for themselves. I encourage them to surround themselves with women and others who believe in them and their abilities and stay motivated and determined to accomplish what they set out to do.”
Photo: Olivia Esselman/ The Johnsonian
