Over the past 134 years since Winthrop University was established as an all-white female training school for teachers, the Columbia, South Carolina-born institution has evolved into a racially and academically diverse community of faculty, students and staff seeking to attain higher education.
One who helped Winthrop to attain such a transformation towards inclusion and student success is Dorothy “Dot” Barber, Dacus Library employee of 50 years and one of the college’s first African American professional staff members, alongside fellow library employee, Ellen Owens.
Racial integration among the university’s student body officially began in July of 1964 with the registration of African American student Cynthia Roddey. But it would take another six years for a black person to join the university’s staff. Barber began the first day of her distinguished career alongside Owens on July 1, 1970.
“Being the only two African Americans working in the office, we were a great support for each other,” Barber said. “I’m sure the staff was curious as to how we would fit in, even to the point of ‘how does your hair stand up like that.’ Everyone made an extra effort to try to make us feel comfortable. We were just thankful to have a job, not even realizing we were the first African American professional staff members to be hired at Winthrop.”
In an article published by SCNow covering a “Fulfilling the Promise” event in 2014, Owens spoke more cynically of her experience as one of Winthrop’s first women of color to be on staff. According to the article, Owens recalled incidents in which white professors initially expressed discomfort with her checking out books for them, adding that this changed over time.
“There has been an improvement in diversity among students, faculty, staff and the administration and I am truly grateful for that,” Barber said.
Across Barber’s half-a-century-long career, she observed and adapted to several significant changes within her department and the Winthrop institution as a whole. The longtime library employee began her career as a clerk-typist using an electronic typewriter and, over the years, adapted to the flow of technological advancement. As fellow staff members left or retired, Barber took their place in various positions in accounting and technical services.
Barber officially retired from full-time employment with the university in 2008 but continues to work for the library part-time as an executive support specialist. Earlier this month, Barber was commended by the Winthrop Board of Trustees for her decades-long dedication to the university and awarded a framed resolution for her “50 Years of Meritorious Service to the University.”
The resolution states, “Whereas, Winthrop University with grateful appreciation, does hereby acknowledge, commend and honor this distinguished lifetime of service to the University by Dorothy ‘Dot’ Barber … Therefore let it be re- solved that the Board of Trustees of Winthrop University does hereby gratefully acknowledge the tireless dedication, exemplary service, and vigorous commitment to the excellence that Dorothy ‘Dot’ Barber has demonstrated on behalf of Winthrop University.”
Barber has stated that she has no intention of fully retiring, at least within the next few months.
“Winthrop has been like a second home to me. I am thankful for having had the opportunity to work with, meet and communicate with so many wonderful Winthrop employees,” Barber said. “I love and enjoy meeting and talking with the students who come from many different countries, backgrounds and cultures. Each year brings different and unique experiences. They have made a great impact on my life and I’ve learned so much from them. Winthrop is a place of education and knowledge even outside of the classroom.”
Photo courtesy Winthrop University
