Rufus B. Atwood

​Rufus B. Atwood (1897 - 1993) - Atwood improved educational opportunities for Blacks and brought full accreditation to Kentucky State College as president from (1929 – 1962). Led the battle for desegregated education in Kentucky beginning in the 1940’s. Earned Bachelor Degrees from Fisk University and Iowa State College and a Master’s Degree from University of Chicago. Received the Bronze Star for bravery in the 369th U.S. Infantry, an all-black unit that served in combat longer than any other U.S. unit in World War I. The first black awarded the University of Kentucky’s Sullivan Medallion for devoting “a lifetime to the education of young people and…for the advancement of interracial relations.”

Rufus B. Atwood