2009 Fall Cornerstone Proof -- Alumni Hilda Jenkins

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Hilda Willis Jenkins Honored for 30 Years of Teaching in Kentucky FRANKFORT, Ky. – Lindsey Wilson College alumna Hilda Willis Jenkins touched thousands of lives during her more than a quarter-century in the classroom. And on Feb. 10 the retired educator was recognized for her contributions as she was inducted into the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame. Jenkins, of a Bowling Green, Ky., was one of five outstanding educators who was inducted into the Hall of Fame’s second class at a ceremony held in the State Capitol Rotunda. A Columbia, native, Jenkins taught for a combined 30 years at Russellville High School, North Warren High School and Warren East High School. She taught mathematics and music, and she also worked with several student groups. In 1981, she was named an outstanding alumna of Lindsey Wilson.

LWC alumna Hilda Willis Jenkins was inducted Feb. 10 into the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame Tuesday afternoon in the State Capitol Rotunda. From left: State Senate President David Williams ofBurkesville; Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear; Jenkins; Deputy Secretary of the Health and Family Services Steve Nunn; and House Speaker Greg Stumbo of Prestonsburg.

The daughter of the late Ruth and Ralph Willis of Columbia, Jenkins was literally the last person to graduate from Columbia High School -- at the school’s 1953 commencement, she was the final person to cross the stage and receive a diploma.

Jenkins earned a bachelor’s degree from Union (Ky.) College and a master’s degree from Western Kentucky University.

Glasgow Independent Schools Fred Carter, who is a Lindsey Wilson alumnus. “She knew how to multi-task before that even became a word.”

“Simply stated, Hilda Jenkins was born to be a teacher. ... Hilda had and has the God-given talent to reach and teach others in a very effective manner,” said retired superintendent of

Established in 2000 by a gift from former Gov. Louie B. Nunn and housed at Western Kentucky, the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame recognizes Kentuckians, both living and deceased, who spent a significant portion of their career in Kentucky and have made made significant a contribution to the teaching profession.

In addition to Lindsey Wilson,

In addition to Jenkins, the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame 2009 class included: Theresa Cowherd, longtime Bowling Green teacher; DaleFaughn , who has taught in Caldwell County for the last 58 years; Jessie Pearl Comer Jackson, longtime Monroe County teacher; and Rosemary Weddington, who taught Spanish in high school and college for 55 years.

LWC alumna Hilda Willis Jenkins is joined by her family members and friends following the Feb. 10 induction ceremony for the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame 2009 class, held in the State Capitol Rotunda.