Women’s History Month-Fort Wayne Highlight: Dr. Verna M. Adams, Ed.D

Dr. Verna M. Adams took advantage of opportunities that opened for African Americans following the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision which ruled racial discrimination in educational systems unconstitutional. She began to pursue degrees in education that prepared her for eventual directorship levels in Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) Administration.

She often stated, “Given enough time and effort, most students can learn what schools offer”. She also stated that teachers along with parents have a responsibility to help children learn how to become productive citizens and how to make a contribution to a better world.

In 1961, Dr. Adams, originally of Toledo, Ohio, began teaching in Fort Wayne Community Schools after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education from Saint Francis College, Fort Wayne, Indiana. She began as a teacher for first grade and then sixth grade at Harmar Elementary School, which had predominantly black student enrollment.

She also taught sixth grade at Croninger Elementary School, which had predominantly white student enrollment.

In 1964, Dr. Adams received a Master of Science in Education from St. Francis College. In addition to her regular professional duties, she was a teacher and Guidance Counselor for the FWCS Adult Basic Education Program. She continued pioneering for African Americans when she was appointed FWCS first African American female consultant teacher for kindergarten through sixth grade.

In 1971, Dr. Adams was appointed principal for Smart Elementary School on Pontiac Street. She was the first African American female to hold a principalship in the Fort Wayne Community Schools. One year later, she became the principal of the newly built Whitney Young Elementary School. The school was first in the city designed to implement an "open classroom" concept. Under Dr. Adams’s leadership, the teachers employed “cooperative teaching methods.”

In 1979, Dr. Adams received the degree Doctor of Education from Ball State University. Her next appointment was principal of Northcrest Elementary School. She was successful in white and black schools, opening doors for others.

In 1980, she was appointed first African American Director of the federally funded Title 1 Program. She was the first African American female appointed to FWCS Instruction Department. This program served children living in economically disadvantaged areas and having learning difficulties at school. She was then named Director of Supplemental Education Programs. Under her direction, “school-business partnerships” were established, bringing contribution of new technology and educational resources from business and industry. She directed supplemental programs within seventeen schools and directed programs for refugees where English was their second language. Students eligible for Title 1 or assistance under the Refugee Act were given help at their school or institution.

Dr. Adams served on the Educational Program Review Committee as a grant proposal reviewer and panelist for United States Department of Education, Washington D.C.

From 1989 – 1991, she evaluated educational programs from many state school systems seeking federal funding.

Dr. Adams was committed to the pursuit of higher education, taking advantage of every opportunity possible from the beginning of her career. She paved the way for others to follow her career path and encouraged them to break ground in new areas. She encouraged and mentored others, some of whom became principals, directors, and a superintendent. Dr. Adams co-founded the Fort Wayne Alliance of Black School Educators in 1982.

Dr. Adams continued her involvement in higher education by teaching college level courses. She was the first African American female lecturer/instructor faculty member in the Education Department at St. Francis College, Fort Wayne, serving ten years from 1964-1974. She was a member of St. Francis College Citizens Committee and served on its Joint Committee on Education during 1981-1987.

Dr. Adams was recognized by the Fort Wayne community for many contributions and for leadership in breaking race and gender barriers in the education industry in Fort Wayne:

• “Woman of the Year, “ Fort Wayne Urban League, 1964

• Who’s Who Among African Americans

• Commencement Graduation Keynote Speaker, St Francis College, Spring

1981.

• “Woman of the Year” Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, 1981

• “The Verna M. Adams Educational Assistance Program for Excellence

Teacher Education, “scholarship fund, established jointly by Fort Wayne Community Schools and Lincoln National bank, 1989

• “First Ladies of Fort Wayne, “ Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, 1997

• Featured in “Indiana Trailblazing Women,” a commemorative book, by Judy Singleton, 2001.

• Martin Luther King Community Service Award for Education, MLK Club, 2002

Dr. Adams served her community through civic, business and church leadership:

• Board of Directors, YWCA, 1976-1978

• Board of Directors, Martin Luther King Montessori School, 1971-1974

• Board of Directors, Lincoln Life Improved Housing, 1978-1987

• Board of Directors, Parkview Memorial Hospital, 1978-1984

• Board of Directors, Fort Wayne Historical Society, 1980-1982

• Board of Directors, St. Francis College Citizen. Joint Committee on

Education. 1981-1987

• Board of Trustees, Turner Chapel AME Church, 1982-1996

• Board of Directors, Fort Wayne Foundation, 1983-1989

• Board of Directors, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Community Development Committee, 1992-2002

Dr. Adams held other memberships in the NAACP, Fort Wayne Urban League, Turner Chapel AME, The Fort Wayne Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, National Alliance of Black School Educators, Philharmonic Society and African/African-American Historical Society.

In 1989, Dr. Adams retired from Fort Wayne Community Schools as Director of Supplemental Instruction Programs. During her career she continually broke down race and gender barriers in education by consistently demonstrating professional competence, higher learning and offering valuable community service. She was highly respected by FWCS school administrators, colleagues, parents, students, and the community who collectively contributed to her overall success.

Throughout 28 years of service, Dr. Adams touched the lives of many students, parents, and educators. She valued and respected each one personally and sought ways to encourage and inspire them to set high goals and to be persistent about achieving those goals. She believed in leadership by example. Dr. Adams is that unforgettable teacher who made a difference, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.

Dr. Verna Adams was married to the late Fred A. Adams, Sr. and is mother of four successful college educated children: Jacqueline Red, Fred Adams, Jr., Douglas Adams, and Cynthia Adams-McBride.