Cynthia Roddey, class of 1967, was the first African American to attend Winthrop College.
At the time, her attendance did not gain much attention from the media.
“On the one hand, it was good not to be hounded by the media,” Roddey said. “On the other, the history made by the first four Black females at WC is not recognized along with the desegregation of others in the state.”
Roddey graduated in 1960 from Johnson C. Smith University with degrees in English and religion with a minor in psychology. At Winthrop College, Roddey received her MAT with majors in library science and English. She later earned her Doctorate of Ministry from Mid-Atlantic Theological Seminary in church administration. Additionally, she is an ordained minister and has earned a certification in elementary education and media technology.
While at Winthrop College, Roddey “never felt like an Eagle.”
“It was 25 years after graduation when the Black Alumni Association was formed and invited me to participate before I returned to campus. I became an advisor to the Xi Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta and for a few years frequently attended events,” Roddey said. “After 45 years, I thought I would go to a class reunion. I was the only one in my grad class attending. The undergrads ‘adopted’ me and I went back for the 50th. I think I talked to one other grad that year. Since there is a former co-worker in student affairs now, I have been taking my clients to some recent events.”
The Roddey McMillan Record publication on campus is partially named after Cynthia Roddey.
“I am honored to have the Roddey-Mac carry my name,” Roddey said. “I believe in its purpose to be inclusive and to ensure there is an awareness of minority issues and accomplishments.”
During her time at Winthrop College, Roddey was especially influenced by Dr. Harrar.
“Dr. Harrar, Dean of the LS department, became a mentor,” Roddey said. “She steadfastly guided me from day one until graduation. She was responsible for getting me a job in Charlotte by just picking up the phone. She made sure that I was a WC success story. I definitely had the skills I needed to work in a field that was transitioning from the wooden drawer catalog to computerized systems for media service.”
Dr. Harrar also helped Roddey with securing a job.
“Dr. Harrar picked up the phone and recommended me for a job to another WC alum,” Roddey said. “Prior to that, I have not been able to even get an interview. Sometimes you have to know somebody. I work in that school system for 30 years as a teacher, media coordinator, and teaching assistant principal.”
Roddey was an educator from 1960 until 2017 when she retired.
“I have enjoyed seeing how many of my students have excelled and am grateful that I played a part in helping them to be their best selves,” Roddey said. “If you are not a teacher who is willing to learn from the students or learn with them, you are in the wrong job. It is never going to be about money. It is always going to be about sharing your knowledge so we all can have better lives.”
Roddey is also the CFO for Special Needs and Abilities Family Empowerment (SAFE). SAFE is a non-profit advocacy for neurodiversity.
“Our agency helped other parents to find resources, so they did not have to pull their children from public school,” Roddey said.
Concerning the current diversity of Winthrop University Roddey said, “I think WU has made a concerted effort to encourage a diverse staff and student body. If there are areas needing improvement, it would be desirable to listen to issues and work with the minorities to find solutions.”
“Since I have been attending more events, I feel more comfortable about being on campus, especially since I see more people of color,” Roddey said.
