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Madam C J Walker School Event

Merriam Plaza Library, Webb Family Meeting Room
April 23, 2025 @ 6:30 pm
to April 23, 2025 @ 7:30 pm
Madam C. J. Walker School class photo, featuring 22 African American school children and their teacher. Photo curtesy of jocohistory.org

Details

Panel Discussion & Research Exhibition
MidAmerica Nazarene University was awarded a grant from Humanities Kansas to support the study of the history of the Madam C.J. Walker School in Merriam, Kansas. The former elementary school played an influential role in the Webb v. School District No. 90 case in 1949. It set the stage for Brown v. Board of Education and the desegregation of American education. This event will provide an opportunity for a panel discussion with local scholars on the topic, who will shed light on the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shaped the history of the Walker School. Additionally, research conducted in the form of archival and oral history inquiry will be shared.

Through videos of oral histories, poster presentations, and a live panel discussion and Q&A, this event will provide opportunity for the broader community to learn more about the exciting history of the Walker school and the stories of those connected to it.

About Humanities Kansas 
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas. Since 1972, HK’s programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and invite new insights. Together with statewide partners and supporters, HK encourages Kansans to draw on diverse histories, literatures, and cultures to create connections with one another and strengthen Kansas communities and our democracy. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

Event Time: 6:30PM-7:30PM

Dr. Abby Hodges

Vice President for Academic Affairs

PhD; Organic Chemistry, Yale University 
MS; Organic Chemistry, Yale University 
BS; Chemistry, Denison University

Dr. Hodges began her career in higher education at Azusa Pacific University as a chemistry professor from 2008 to 2014. She then moved to MNU where she taught and in 2018 was appointed Chair of the Department of Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences. From 2022-2023, before accepting the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hodges was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Hodges’ career research has focused on protein folding and protein engineering, and she has mentored over twenty students in these research projects. She has also furthered the MNU first-year experience program and chaired the General Education committee for five years. Dr. Hodges was recognized as the MNU Faculty of the Year in 2021.

Dr. Hodges lives in Olathe with her husband Ryan and two boys.