Western Kentucky University now has its first building on campus named in honor of an African-American.
In a meeting , the on Friday, the WKU Board of Regents approved the renaming of Northeast Residence Hall in honor of Logan County native Margaret Munday.
Following the desegregation of Kentucky’s public colleges and universities in 1956, Munday made history as the first African-American student to enroll at WKU. After graduating with a music degree in 1960, she taught at the all-black Johnstown School in Olmstead. She later became the first Black teacher at Auburn High School, and eventually taught at every school in Logan County.
President Timothy Caboni says it was well past time to honor Munday as WKU works to become a more diverse and inclusive community.
“Her contribution to this campus was remarkable," stated Caboni. "She was a trailblazer and it wasn’t easy for her, but she persisted through a challenging four years, not just academically, but also socially, and got her degree.”
Munday retired from a 30-year teaching career in 1995. The university will hold a renaming ceremony with Munday, her family, and former students later this fall or during the spring semester .
She was inducted into WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2012.
