Dr. Maxine Mimms: A Legacy of Education, Empowerment, and Enduring Friendship with Dr. Maya Angelou

Dr. Maxine Buie Mimms, born on March 4, 1928, in Newport News, Virginia, was a courageous innovator in the field of education and long-time sister-friend and confidant to Dr. Maya Angelou.

 Dr. Mimms unwavering dedication to empowering historically excluded communities and her leading-edge efforts in establishing the Tacoma Campus of Evergreen State College have left an enduring mark on generations of lives.

From her early days as a social worker in Detroit to her influential role as Founder of Evergreen State College, Dr. Mimms was driven by a profound commitment to education and social justice. Her work was not just a profession but a calling, one that she pursued with passion and resilience.

Dr. Mimms was a mentor to many, guiding students and educators alike with her wisdom and compassion. Her belief in the transformative power of education led her to create opportunities for those who might otherwise have been left behind. She was a friend and confidant to luminaries such as Dr. Maya Angelou and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and served on the advisory board for the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.

Her legacy is carried forward by the thousands of students who have benefited from her vision and dedication.

Her legacy is carried forward by the thousands of students who have benefited from her vision and dedication. Dr. Mimms' impact extends beyond the classroom, inspiring future generations to use education as a catalyst for change.

As we remember and honor Dr. Maxine Mimms, we celebrate her life's work and the countless lives she touched. Her spirit of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to education will continue to inspire us all.  The work will continue.