Cynthia Ann McDonald was the first full-time African-American instructor at Sandhills, retiring from her 30-year position as an English professor in 2003. She continued working part-time for the college until 2011.
A plaque in her honor was unveiled on May 7. It is appropriately located in front of Logan Hall, where English and literature classes are taught.
Past President of Sandhills once said of McDonald, “Cynthia is a hard worker; a defender of the underdog; a lover of history and the arts. She is a mentor of children and youth, a counselor for those in trouble, a quick-witted lady with a rich sense of humor. She is a peacemaker. And a hell-raiser when she sees injustice.”
McDonald helped many young people reflect on life choices and guided them to make positive decisions about academics and their futures. She was a voice of kindness and wisdom, both of which live on in the scholarship she created in her father’s name.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
