Year Honored: 2013

Biography

Dr. Wilma Mishoe grew up on the campus of Delaware State University. Her father, Dr. Luna Mishoe, served as President of the University from 1960-1987, and her mother founded the universities’ nursing program. When asked to come out of retirement to serve as President, Dr. Mishoe agreed, saying, “how could you say no to your home? That’s still my family.”

Dr. Mishoe spent her 40-year career working in higher education. Starting at Wilmington University, Dr. Mishoe was the Dean of Students and Director of Financial Aid, before moving to Delaware Technical Community College. There, she had a number of roles, including Dean of Office Instruction and Dean of Student Services.

Throughout her career, Dr. Mishoe has had a strong emphasis on students. She said of students, “they all become my daughters and sons while they are here, and that doesn’t stop just because they walk across a stage and I hand them a diploma. These students will always be part of my family and own a piece of my heart.” During her tenure as the first female President of Delaware State University from 2018-2019, Dr. Mishoe instituted the INSPIRE scholarship program, the 1890 Land Grant Research program for agricultural research and community outreach, established a downtown Dover presence with the Schwartz Center for the Arts and the acquisition of the Barros Building, replaced the universities aircraft fleece, instituted a tech initiative, and committed to addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance.

In her retirement, Dr. Mishoe has continued to serve the higher education community. She has served as Academic Administrator at Delaware Technical Community College, Chairwoman of the Capital School Board, Trustee at Wilberforce University, and as chair of the Delaware State University Board of Trustees. Upon her second retirement, Dr. Mishoe told the Delaware State community, “I am far from done. When I retire from the Presidency of this great University on December 31, 2019, I know I will go to new adventures, confident that I have left our great shared enterprise in good hands. My heart will always reside on this campus, and my hands will be here whenever needed.”
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Sources and Additional Readings

Dr. Wilma Mishoe elected chair of DSU Board of Trustees. Delaware State University. (2017, July 31). Retrieved January 18, 2022, from https://www.desu.edu/news/2017/07/dr-wilma-mishoe-elected-chair-dsu-board-trustees

Dr. Wilma Mishoe fulfills a family legacy at Delaware State University. Delaware Today. (2021, September 10). Retrieved January 18, 2022, from https://delawaretoday.com/life-style/leading-delaware-state-university-fulfills-a-family-legacy-for-dr-wilma-mishoe/

President Mishoe announces intention to retire from University. Delaware State University. (2019, September 5). Retrieved January 18, 2022, from https://www.desu.edu/news/2019/09/president-mishoe-announces-intention-retire-university