During her long and illustrious career, NC State alumna and former social work professor Wilma Peebles-Wilkins garnered many professional and academic accolades. She recently added a new recognition: the College of Humanities and Social Sciences’ 2024 Distinguished Alumna Award winner.
Peebles-Wilkins’ connection to her alma mater started when she was a young girl growing up in the Oberlin Village area of Raleigh during the civil rights movement. In time, she became one of the first Black women to graduate from the college with a sociology degree and a minor in social work.
She also returned as a social work professor, administrator and donor. She established The Myatt-Peebles Scholarship Endowment for Social Work, guaranteeing her connection to her alma mater would be a lasting one.
“Wilma Peebles-Wilkins is a CHASS champion,” said Deanna Dannels, dean of the college. “We are inspired by all she has accomplished and grateful for her passion and love for NC State. Her enduring commitment to our community is ensuring our students are ready to tackle whatever the future holds, with resilience and heart to guide them.”
Over the years, Peebles-Wilkins also earned a master’s degree in social administration and a Ph.D. in educational history and philosophy. Additionally, she amassed 50-plus years of experience as a social worker, administrator, educator, and advocate for health care and services to families and children. As such, the former Dean Emerita of Boston University School of Social Work attracted titles like pioneer and trailblazer and myriad honors, including the 1988-89 Outstanding Teacher Award from NC State.
Additionally, she found time to serve on numerous committees, write (extensively about the history of Blacks in American social welfare for various publications), volunteer, and give back to the college and her beloved Wolfpack.
For Peebles-Wilkins, the reason is simple. “NC State has been a part of me all my life,” she said.
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