African American women college students--Interviews | Special Collections Research Center

Beverly Thompson, W&M Class of 1999

Beverly Thompson arrived at William & Mary in 1994, four years after graduating from the University of Central Florida with a Master’s degree in Computer Science. In her five years at the College, Thompson forged lasting relationships with faculty and completed a dissertation as a part of her program.

Carolyn Hines, W&M Class of 1972, 1978

Carolyn Hines arrived at William & Mary in 1970, earning a Master of Education and a Doctorate of Education by 1978. During her time at William & Mary she participated in the Black Students Organization, the Graduate Student Association, W&M Theater, and Delta Sigma Theta. She also served as a Board of Visitors Liaison and was involved with the Williamsburg Area Women’s Center.

Janet Brown Strafer, Karen Ely, & Lynn Briley, W&M Class of 1971

University Archivist Kim Sims interviews Janet Brown Strafer, Karen Ely, and Lynn Briley, Class of 1971 and the first African-American students in residence at William & Mary. Recorded in the Pollard Room of the Alumni House on the campus of the College of William and Mary on March 19, 2016.

Janet Brown Strafer, Karen Ely, & Lynn Briley, W&M Class of 1971

Janet Brown Strafer arrived at William & Mary in 1967 as part of the first cohort of African Americans in Residence.

Mallory Walker, W&M Class of 2017

Mallory Walker arrived at William & Mary in 2014. During her time at William & Mary, she served as an Orientation Aide, a W&M tour guide, and was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. Additionally, she wrote a column, “Behind Closed Doors”, for the Flat Hat, and gained work experience through Phone-a-thon and the Reeder Media Center.

Michele Mason, W&M Class of 1996

Michele Mason arrived at William & Mary in 1992. During her time at William & Mary, she was a member of the Women’s Soccer Team, participated in the Black Students Organization, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Mason was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Yvonne Smith-Jones, Class of 1987, 1993, 1997

Yvonne Smith-Jones arrived at William & Mary in 1985, earning a Master of Arts of Education, an Education Specialist Degree, and a Doctorate of Education by 1997.