Aug. 19, 2021 | 10 a.m. | Terry M. Fischer Theatre | YouTube Live

This Year's Award Honoree

LaRhonda Wilson, Associate Professor of Sociology

LaRhonda Wilson, associate professor of sociology at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, is the winner of the David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award. She is also the program coordinator for the service-learning program on campus.

Wilson is known for being compassionate in the classroom, engaging students and encouraging them to participate in activities that stretch their comfort academically and socially. She is involved in voter registration, education efforts and local politics – having served as campaign manager and political advisor for several successful grassroots elections. Over her more than 20 years as a teacher, Wilson has enhanced students’ learning experiences by connecting them to court watch programs, voter engagement and environmental activities, reentry populations, services for children and families, communities of poverty, city government, political campaigns, and more.

Wilson has earned awards including: Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc.’s Apple for the Teacher Award, League of Innovation’s John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Award, North County Incorporated’s 30 Leaders in their Thirties Award, the Organization for Black Struggle’s Unsung Shero Award, and St. Louis American’s Salute to Excellence in Education Award. Wilson is a member of the American Sociological Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the Lincoln University Alumni Association, and Missouri Sociological Association. She is also the proud mother of Serenity Wilson-Mitchell.

About the David L. Underwood Award

David L. Underwood was known for his love of education. He was deeply concerned with the welfare of students and staff alike. His dedication went beyond office hours – and he tirelessly gave of his time and talents to further the educational mission at Florissant Valley.

Recipients of the Underwood Memorial Lecture Award demonstrate that same dedication and commitment. Chosen by a committee of peers, the recipient exhibits excellence in instruction and a genuine, humanistic concern for students, faculty, staff, and all of education.

---

About David L. Underwood

Dec. 26, 1925 – March 16, 1975

David Underwood was born near Ava, IL, and moved to St. Louis in 1926. He attended elementary and high schools in St. Louis and Desloge, Mo.

After two years in the navy, Underwood enrolled at Central Missouri State College where he earned A.B. and B.S. degrees. He earned a master’s degree in English from the University of Missouri in 1951. Underwood taught English at McKinley High School until he was transferred to Southwest High School as head of the English department. In 1962 he became chair of the English department at Beaumont High School.

After teaching for the community college on a part-time basis, Underwood joined the Florissant Valley faculty in 1963. He served as chair of the humanities, communications division and later associate dean of instruction. He was appointed dean of instruction July 1, 1967 and served until his death in 1975.

---

Program

Welcome and Introductions

Sharon North, committee chair, professor of mathematics and the 45th David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award recipient, 2020

Music

Sergei Prokofiev’s “Sonata No. 3 in A Minor,” 1891-1953, conducted by Paul Higdon, D.M.A., professor of music and the 40th David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award recipient, 2015 

Introduction of Recipient

Steve Ehlen, supervisor of the Engineering Technology Center, manager of the Additive Manufacturing Lab and the 44th David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award recipient, 2019

Lecture

“Good Trouble: Ethical Behavior, Kindness and Compassion” by LaRhonda Wilson, associate professor of sociology and the David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award recipient, 2021

---

Selection Committee

Steve Ehlen, Carol Hake, associate professor of English and the 43rd David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award recipient, 2018, and Sharon North.

---

Special Thanks to All Who Make This Celebration Possible

• Marie McCool, theatre manager
• Bryant T. Williamson, technical director
• Aaron Linder, media specialist
• Shantana Stewart, campus marketing and communications coordinator
• Paul Higdon, professor of music

---

Previous Award Recipients