Wilhelmina B. Smith Scholarship Fund

Throughout history, there have always been great teachers who have had a profound impact on their students’ lives. Wilhelmina B. Smith was such a teacher, as witnessed by testimonials from some of her former students listed on this site.

That is why her family started the Wilhelmina B. Smith Scholarship Fund within the South Carolina State University Foundation. This Fund will provide Scholarships to deserving students aspiring to become Great Teachers like she was.

We are asking for your donations to fund these scholarships. You may donate online on this site or mail your donation to the address listed.

Thank you for your support.

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Wilhelmina B. Smith Scholarship Fund

About Wilhelmina

Wilhelmina Bobo Smith was a 1965 graduate of South Carolina State University. She later earned her Master’s degree from Georgia State University.

After graduating from South Carolina State, Wilhelmina began her outstanding career as an educator, culminating in 37 years as a Social Studies teacher with the Atlanta Public School System.

During her tenure, she had a profound impact on thousands of students by motivating them to achieve their highest potential. In fact, many of her former students today credit her for their success in their professional careers.

To honor her legacy, a Scholarship Fund has been established within the SCSU Foundation. This Fund intends to award scholarships to deserving students aspiring to become Teachers.

Donate To The Scholarship Fund

Gallery

Testimonials

Mrs. Smith was a very dedicated educator. She truly cared about her students’ ability to understand the “why” and “how” of the lessons that she taught and
their ability to apply that knowledge to the current events that were occurring in the media. Mrs. Smith will truly be missed. She left an indelible impression on me and many other other students to follow. Heaven is now blessed with another angel.

Alane L. Sullivan

I was introduced to Mrs. Smith in the spring quarter of 1980. Her passion for History was clear and present. We often had discussions about modern policy and its roots in the past. Those thought provoking discussions encouraged listening to another point of view. In the spring of 1981, I attended CLOSEUP with her in Washington DC. Memories of her in that arena bring a smile to my face. It was clear that OUR teacher was engaged in the activities, not just
babysitting students. The inaugural AP History class was offered in the Fall of 1982. Mrs. Smith challenged us to exceed our personal goals. Experiences in her classroom bring about warm memories. My thoughts are with her family. May your memories act as a unique treasure going forward.

Benita L Daniel

It’s easy to say “Thank You” when someone does something nice for you. But how do you say “Thank You” for the person who taught you that you are special, you are intelligent, and you belong in every room you walk in? Thank you isn’t enough of an accolade for what Mrs. Smith did for me and countless other students at Frederick Douglass High School. She was not just a teacher, she was a mentor and later in my life a friend. Mr. Smith, George, Jr., and Lincoln, thank you for sharing your wife and Mother with so many of us. She truly was a bright light in our world.

Alison Gibson

Wonderful Memories of a Special Teacher/Mentor/Nurturer: Mrs. Wilhelmina Smith She meant so much to so many so I am sure my story will resemble the countless other stories of love and care that Mrs. Smith showered on all of her students at Frederick Douglass High School. Remember that love lasts forever, and Mrs. Wilhelmina Smith is forever in my heart and will forever be with you. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Tina McCormick Stevenson

Ms. Smith was one of the most pleasant, calm, and engaging teachers I had. Ms. Smith made learning a topic I didn’t love feel easy and interesting. So much so, I went to D.C. with her on our classes trip. Ms. Smith exposed me to the possibilities that were possible outside of Atlanta. I will always be grateful.

Pamela Connell

As I reflect on Mrs. Smith, I remember the beacon of knowledge and nspiration that stood before us daily and fostered curiosity, growth, and learning as we navigated high school. Mrs. Smith’s impact extended far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Though Mrs. Smith may no longer be with us in person, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she has touched.

Yolanda Travis

As a proud Astro from the class of 1984 I would like to pay tribute to Wilhelmina Smith, my history teacher for two years. Mrs. Smith was a gentle, and knowledgeable teacher who never raised her voice, but commanded respect. Mrs. Smith orbited in a constellation of teachers, counselors and administrators at Fredrick Douglass High School who pushed me and my classmates to be students of integrity and academic excellence. I am forever grateful for every minute she taught me.

Jana Bray Riediger

Mrs Smith more than any other teacher exemplified a commitment to not just her students learning but succeeding. In the history she taught we learned that while success was not owed to any of us we were never to accept less than equal access to opportunity.

Archie Hollis

God had a purpose when He superintended my entrance into Wilhelmina’s life by way of a history class; He allowed me to share a bond with her for such a time as this which allows me to publicly acknowledge Him and say thank you Lord for the blessing of Wilhelmina Smith as a gift to me. My memories of her will always be an enduring light that will shine throughout my life’s journey. I know that a scholarship in her honor at the school she loved, South Carolina State University will be a lasting testimony to the legacy of education she continues to give.

Karla

Mrs. Smith was the best history teacher that I had the pleasure of taking at Frederick Douglass High School. Mrs. Smith had the class read a three part volume on American History. It was in the pages of these books and her stories about growing up Black that I learned Our shared history as Americans. She was the best because she challenged us and motivated students to care about History so that we would not repeat mankind’s Historic Mistakes. My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Smith family. Mrs. Smith sparked my lifelong interest in History and for that I will be forever grateful!

Grady Dunn

Wilhelmina Smith was a beautiful individual who was a “shining light” to many students for over three decades. Wilhelmina was a passionate and caring soul who consistently dedicated herself to serving others while supporting her church and community. As a retired educator, Wilhelmina strived to empower and motivate students above their level of excellence. Wilhelmina’s scholarly accomplishments and achievements speaks for itself.

Andrea Taylor

I was fortunate enough to have Mrs. Smith as my teacher at Frederick Douglass High School. As an impressionable teenager, I was in awe of her poise and grace. I have no memory of her ever raising her voice or losing her temper. She was soft spoken but clearly in command. Her presence simply demanded attention and respect. She was the epitome of a Queen.

Kimberly Smith Ridgeway

Mrs. Wilhelmina Smith, a distinguished educator at Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta, Georgia, left an indelible mark on me and countless of her students through her exemplary teaching style and unwavering passion for history. Mrs. Smith was a remarkable teacher who not only imparted knowledge, but also instilled values that transcended the classroom. A truly classy lady, Mrs. Smith was admired for her poise and grace. Her attire reflected her professionalism, setting a standard for both appearance and conduct. Students looked up to her as a role model, not just for academic excellence but also for the way she carried herself with dignity and respect.

Dr. Wm. Kevin Dancy

Make checks payable to the Wilhelmina B. Smith Scholarship Fund and mail to:

SC State University
OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
PO BOX 7305
Orangeburg, SC 29117