Velma Linford graduated with her bachelor's degree from the University
of Wyoming in 1930 and continued on to attain her master's degree in 1934.
Linford taught at Laramie High School from 1935 until she
was elected state superintendent of Wyoming Schools in 1955. She served as state
superintendent and was a member of the Board of Directors and Executive
Committee National Education Association until 1963. Also, Linford was a
teacher and participant at five White House conferences on education and served
as a consultant to the departments of Agriculture and Defense for overseas
schools.
In addition to her dedication to education, Linford served
as director of recruiting for the Peace Corps and helped organize and direct
AmeriCorps VISTA, the Peace Corps' national service program designed specifically
to fight poverty.
Linford also received the following awards
during her life and career: the Hubert Humphrey Award for International Service
by Peace Corps and United Nations, membership in the Atlantic Conference of
NATO, Leading Western Women, Gold Key Award for Wyoming Education, Bronze Award
for Cancer Control; and an honorary Doctor of Law from UW.
Photo courtesy of UW Photo Services.
