June 17, 2008
Joy Adelynn Kitchen Ward-Drew
Fisk University, B.A. '53
School of Graduate Studies, '59, education
Birthplace: Des Moines, Iowa
Current home: Chicago, Illinois
Joy Adelynn Kitchen Ward-Drew followed her mother's footsteps and attended Fisk with the assistance of a Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship. She majored in biology and zoology, graduating cum laude in 1953. Her undergraduate involvements included membership in Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Little Theater Stage Crafters. She also participated on the soccer team and in modern dance.
From Fisk University, Mrs. Ward-Drew decided to use her science background to teach. She attended the Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies, earning her master's in education in 1959. She taught for a time in Cleveland before relocating to Chicago.
Her experience and expertise as a teacher garnered her the Governor Master Teacher of the State of Illinois and the Women Who Were First Award. Mrs. Ward-Drew was the first African American and first African American woman to win the Presidential Award in Science for the State of Illinois.
Mrs. Ward-Drew is a longtime supporter of the United Negro College Fund and a member of the Chicago Chapter of the NAACP.
Posted by: Heidi Cool June 17, 2008 03:35 PM
Category: Alumni
, Legacy
, School of Graduate Studies