Winthrop University Oral History Program

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  Interview with Betty Jo Rhea - OH 622

  Elizabeth Josephine Dunlap Rhea

  OH 622

  This interview was conducted as part of the Winthrop History Project, an initiative led by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters. The project seeks to document Winthrop’s transformation over Dr. DiGiorgio’s 24-year tenure, tracing the institution’s evolution from Winthrop College to Winthrop University. Designed as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s The Torch is Passed, which chronicles Winthrop’s history up to Dr. DiGiorgio’s presidency, this project preserves the voices and perspectives of those who played a role in shaping the university’s progress.

  A key component of the initiative is a series of recorded interviews with members of the extended Winthrop community, ensuring that the story of Winthrop’s growth is told in their own words.

  This interview features Elizabeth D. “Betty Jo” Rhea (1930–2022), a Rock Hill native and a trailblazing civic leader. Rhea made history as the first female member of the Rock Hill City Council (1978–1986) and later as the city’s first female mayor (1986–1998). She attended the Winthrop Training School through the 10th grade and remained closely connected to Winthrop University throughout her career, serving on both the Winthrop University Board of Visitors and the Winthrop Foundation Board.

  For over 20 years, she hosted the City Minute, a local television program featuring interviews with prominent Rock Hill figures and community leaders. In this interview, Rhea reflects on her experiences growing up in Rock Hill, her longstanding relationship with Winthrop, and her collaboration with Dr. DiGiorgio on various initiatives throughout her career.

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  Interview with Betty Jo Rhea - OH 543

  Elizabeth Josephine Dunlap Rhea, Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company, Bleachery, and Alexander Keith Windham

  OH 543

  In her July 17, 2017 interview with Alex Windham, Betty Jo Rhea detailed her thoughts and memories of her life growing up in Rock Hill and her involvement with the Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company referred to locals as the Bleachery. Rhea spoke of the time period of the 1930s through 2017 and on the follow topics: Segregation, integration, race relations, her father’s medical practice, her time as mayor of Rock Hill, and her thoughts on both the decline of the Bleachery and the redevelopment of the site into University Center at Knowledge Park to the year 2017. Rhea also offered her opinions on how Rock Hill was impacted by the Bleachery from the 1930s to 2017.

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  Interview with Mark Christopher Rhodes - OH 623

  Mark Christopher Rhodes

  OH 623

  This interview was conducted as part of the Winthrop History Project, an initiative led by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters. The project aimed to document Winthrop’s transformation over Dr. DiGiorgio’s 24-year tenure, tracing the institution’s evolution from Winthrop College to Winthrop University. Designed to supplement Dr. Ross Webb’s The Torch is Passed, which chronicles Winthrop’s history up to Dr. DiGiorgio’s presidency, this project sought to provide a comprehensive account of this significant period.

  A key component of the initiative was a series of recorded interviews with members of the extended Winthrop community who played a role in shaping the university’s progress. These firsthand narratives preserve the voices, experiences, and perspectives of those who contributed to Winthrop’s growth and development.

  This particular interview features Mark Christopher “Chris” Rhodes, a Rock Hill native who attended Winthrop from 1986 to 1991. During his time as a student, Rhodes served as Student Body President from 1990 to 1991, acting as a non-voting member of the Board of Trustees. In this discussion, he reflects on his tenure as Student Body President, his role on the Board, and his interactions with President DiGiorgio, offering insights into the university's development during that period.

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  Interview with Janie May Carroll Rice - OH 022

  Janie May Carroll Rice

  OH 022

  In her November 13, 1976 interview with Sara L. "Sally" Tyler, Janie May Carroll Rice expresses her love of Winthrop. Rice recalls President Johnson’s involvement with the students, and his desire to include religion in all aspects of campus life. Rice also defends the many rules and regulations of Winthrop. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Elsie Rieger - OH 469

  Elsie Rieger

  OH 469

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with Richard W. "Dick" Riley and Terry K. Peterson - OH 624

  Richard Wilson Riley and Terry K. Peterson

  OH 624

  This interview was conducted as part of the Winthrop History Project, an initiative led by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters. The project aimed to document Winthrop’s transformation over Dr. DiGiorgio’s 24-year tenure, tracing the institution’s evolution from Winthrop College to Winthrop University. Designed to supplement Dr. Ross Webb’s The Torch is Passed, which chronicles Winthrop’s history up to Dr. DiGiorgio’s presidency, this project sought to provide a comprehensive account of this significant period.

  This interview features Richard W. “Dick” Riley (b. 1933) and Terry K. Peterson, both of whom played significant roles in shaping education policy at the state and national levels.

  • Dick Riley served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives (1963–1966) and the South Carolina State Senate (1967–1977) before being elected the 111th Governor of South Carolina, serving from 1979 to 1987. He later became the U.S. Secretary of Education under President Bill Clinton (1993–2001), where he was a leading advocate for education reform. In recognition of his contributions to education, Winthrop’s College of Education bears his name.
  • Terry K. Peterson has been a key advisor to Riley since his tenure as governor. He served as Riley’s education adviser during his governorship (1979–1987) and later as special assistant for higher education policy at Winthrop University (1987–1993). Peterson continued his work alongside Riley at the national level, shaping education initiatives during Riley’s tenure as U.S. Secretary of Education.

  In this interview, Riley and Peterson reflect on their experiences working with Winthrop University and share their insights on higher education policy. They also discuss their impressions of and collaborations with President DiGiorgio throughout their careers.

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  Interview with Thomas Roach III, Willie George Hall, and Donald Parrish - OH 544

  Thomas Roach III, Willie George Hall, Donald Parrish, Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company, Bleachery, and Alexander Keith Windham

  OH 544

  In this June 6, 2017 interview with Alex Windham, Thomas Roach II, Willie George Hall and Donald Parrish detail their thoughts and memories of their time at the Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company referred to by locals as the “Bleachery.” They spoke at length about race relations at the Bleachery.

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  Interview with Gary Preston "Pres" Roberts - VHP 113

  Gary Preston Roberts and World War II

  VHP 113

  This interview was conducted by Brian Garner and Roxann James with World War II veteran Gary Preston “Pres” Roberts (1923-2023). Pres served in the Army Signal Corps in the pacific theater in the Philippines with the 40 Division, L Company during the later parts of World War II. In the interview, Pres describes his experiences while stationed in the Philippines during World War II. He also discusses how happy they all were when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan to end the war with rumors that the Army was expecting 75% casualties with an invasion of the mainland. After the war, Pres served in Korea. During his military career he earned the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star; Philippine Liberation Service Medal with 1 bronze service star; Good Conduct Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Army Occupation Medal for his service.

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  Interview with Kirk Lyles Roberts - VHP 111

  Kirk Lyles Roberts and Korean War

  VHP 111

  On March 25, 2022, Kirk Roberts, a Veteran of the United States Army, sat down with interviewers Brian Garner, who is a reporter for “The Chester Newspaper”, and a volunteer with The Disabled American Veterans. Roxann James, to talk about Robert’s past experiences in the Army. Kirk Lyles Roberts (1928-2024) was born on August 3, 1928 in Chester County, SC. Before the war, he worked on his family farm and at the family service station. Kirk was drafted in 1951 and served with the 19th Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division of the US Army during the Korean War. He participated in the “Battle of Old Baldy” in west central Korea as well as several other engagements. He served from January 10, 1951 through October 10, 1952 and was wounded three times. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts, three campaign medals, the combat leader medal, and the combat infantry medal.

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  Interview with Walter B. Roberts - OH 090

  Walter B. Roberts

  OH 090

  In his April 25, 1980 interview with Jeff Clark, Walter Roberts shares his experience as the chair of the Music Department and a faculty member during the Great Depression. Roberts discusses morale on campus and how the University remained fairly unaffected by change. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Gretchen Robinson - OH 185

  Gretchen (Gretchen L.) Robinson

  OH 185

  IN PROCESSING

  Ms. Robinson discusses the Emily Liles Harris Journals, why the journals were kept, and how she obtained them from the donor, Mrs. Harris Ford.

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  Interview with Jackie Robinson and Cedric Oglesby - OH 154

  Jackie Robinson and Cedric Oglesby

  OH 154

  IN PROCESSING

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  Interview with Norman T. Robinson Jr. - OH 255

  Norman T. Robinson Jr.

  OH 255

  IN PROCESSING

  Reverend Robinson provides details about his life and accomplishments.

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  Interview with Robert Robinson - OH 683

  Robert Robinson and Emmett Scott High School

  OH 683

  This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Robert Robinson with a focus on the History of Emmett Scott High School. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African-Americans, which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and was closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill, SC schools.

  *Audio for Interviewee is very low.

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  Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 690

  Cynthia Plair Roddey, Emmett Scott High School, Civil Rights, and Integration

  OH 690

  This oral history interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison on July 17, 2012, with Dr. Cynthia Plair Roddey as part of his History of Emmett Scott High School project. Emmett Scott High School served as the segregated high school for African American students in Rock Hill from its opening in 1920 until its closure in 1970 following full integration of the local school system.

  In the interview, Dr. Roddey reflects on her early life in Rock Hill, South Carolina, including her family background, religious upbringing, and formative educational experiences in both Rock Hill and Greensboro, North Carolina. She provides extensive detail on her family genealogy, tracing lineages through the Plair and Roddey families, including connections to formerly enslaved ancestors, Native American heritage, and prominent local figures. She also discusses the entrepreneurial accomplishments of her grandfather, Isaac G. Plair, and the broader social and economic life of the African American community in Rock Hill.

  Dr. Roddey recounts her education at Immanuel Lutheran High School and Johnson C. Smith University, as well as her early career in education. She taught at Emmett Scott High School from approximately 1961 to 1963, where she instructed English and assisted with music programs, offering insight into the school’s limited resources, faculty environment, and its significance within the Black community.

  A significant portion of the interview addresses her experience as the first African American student admitted to graduate study at Winthrop College, where she enrolled in 1964 and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in library science in 1967. Dr. Roddey discusses the circumstances of her admission, the broader context of desegregation in South Carolina higher education, and her experiences navigating a predominantly white academic environment. She reflects on the social isolation she encountered, the support she received from select faculty, and the strategies she employed to succeed academically.

  Throughout the interview, Dr. Roddey emphasizes the cultural, educational, and historical significance of Emmett Scott High School and its role in shaping generations of African American students in Rock Hill. Her narrative provides valuable insight into the intersections of race, education, community life, and institutional change in the mid-twentieth-century American South.

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  Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 62

  Cynthia Plair Roddey and Integration

  OH 062

  This interview, conducted on January 22, 1979, by Cynthia Wilson for The Johnsonian, the student newspaper of Winthrop University, documents the experiences of Cynthia Plair Roddey, the first African American student admitted to Winthrop College following desegregation.

  Roddey reflects on her decision to attend Winthrop in 1964, citing convenience, family responsibilities, and access to graduate coursework in library science as primary motivations. She recounts her arrival on campus, her desire to minimize attention and avoid publicity, and the precautions taken by college officials and local authorities to ensure her safety. She also describes the strong support she received from her family and local community.

  The interview details Roddey’s experiences as a student, including her academic work, her limited social interaction with other students, and her perception of being largely ignored rather than openly harassed. She contrasts these experiences with those at historically Black institutions and reflects on the challenges of balancing graduate study with family and professional responsibilities.

  Roddey further discusses her career following graduation, including her work as an educator and media specialist, and the difficulties she encountered in securing employment. She offers commentary on student activism, race relations, and the changing nature of student engagement in the post–Civil Rights era. Concluding with advice to students, Roddey emphasizes perseverance, discipline, and the importance of sustained effort in achieving academic and professional success.

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  Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 642

  Cynthia Plair Roddey and Integration

  OH 642

  This oral history interview, conducted by James Mackey, documents the experiences of Cynthia Plair Roddey, the first African American student admitted to Winthrop College. Roddey recounts her early life and education, including her attendance at Immanuel Lutheran High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, and her undergraduate studies at Johnson C. Smith University.

  Roddey describes her admission to Winthrop in 1964 as largely unplanned, occurring after she applied by postcard upon learning that the institution had recently desegregated following broader legal challenges such as those involving Harvey Gantt. She emphasizes the relatively quiet and non-public nature of her enrollment, which contrasted with more widely publicized integration efforts across the South.

  The interview explores Roddey’s experiences as the sole Black student during her initial term, highlighting her social isolation, limited participation in campus life due to her status as a married, off-campus graduate student, and the absence of overt hostility alongside subtle forms of exclusion. She reflects on her academic work, noting one instance of perceived grading inequity, while otherwise describing a supportive faculty and administration that took measures to ensure her safety.

  Roddey also discusses the broader context of segregation and desegregation in education, including disparities in resources, barriers to professional advancement, and her eventual career in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system following her completion of a Master of Arts in Teaching in Library Science and English. She situates her experience within the larger Civil Rights Movement, referencing student activism and sit-ins during her time at Johnson C. Smith University, while expressing a personal preference for education as the most effective means of advancement.

  Throughout the interview, Roddey underscores the importance of preparation, community support, and adaptability, advocating for a holistic approach to education that includes academic, social, political, and spiritual development. Her testimony provides insight into the complexities of early desegregation in higher education and the lived experience of navigating institutional change as an individual pioneer.

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  Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 643

  Cynthia Plair Roddey and Integration

  OH 643

  This oral history interview, conducted by Paul Finkelstein on September 4, 1994, documents the life and experiences of Cynthia Plair Roddey, the first African American graduate student admitted to Winthrop College. Roddey reflects on her upbringing in an education-centered family, her early exposure to cultural and intellectual experiences, and the influential role of mentors and community in shaping her values.

  The interview details her educational journey through segregated and integrated institutions, including her preparation at historically Black schools and her subsequent enrollment at Winthrop from 1964 to 1967, where she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching in Library Science. Roddey discusses the circumstances of her admission during the early desegregation era, noting the relatively quiet process and her limited social integration on campus despite the absence of overt hostility.

  Roddey offers insight into her academic experiences, contrasting pedagogical approaches between institutions, and reflects on her professional career as an educator and media coordinator in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community support, and high educational expectations, while also addressing broader issues of race, educational inequality, and the challenges facing African American students in integrated settings.

  Throughout the interview, Roddey underscores themes of resilience, community responsibility, and the lasting impact of education, concluding with reflections on her evolving relationship with Winthrop and her hopes for future generations.

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  Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 644

  Cynthia Plair Roddey and Integration

  OH 644

  This interview, conducted by Robert Ryals on September 12, 2012, for the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program, documents Dr. Cynthia Plair Roddey’s reflections on her historic enrollment and experiences as the first African American student and graduate of Winthrop College (1964–1967). Drawing in part from a prepared narrative, Roddey recounts the circumstances that led her to apply to Winthrop, including professional aspirations, family responsibilities, and the broader context of desegregation in South Carolina following legal challenges to segregated higher education.

  Roddey describes the social, institutional, and personal challenges she encountered as a pioneering student, including community reactions ranging from support and protection within her neighborhood to criticism from both white and Black communities. She discusses instances of racial bias in the classroom, the isolation she experienced among peers, and the support she received from select faculty and staff. The interview also addresses the broader climate of the Civil Rights Movement, the risks associated with integration, and the long-term emotional and psychological impact of being “the first.”

  In addition to recounting her time at Winthrop, Roddey reflects on her subsequent career in education, particularly within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system during desegregation, and offers commentary on changes in educational practices, race relations, and social structures over time. She shares insights on contemporary issues including politics, diversity, immigration, and the evolving concept of the American Dream, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, mutual respect, and inclusive perspectives. The interview further explores her views on family, heritage, and identity, highlighting the complexities of racial and cultural backgrounds in the American South.

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  Interview with Rev. Osbey Roddey - OH 705

  Osbey Roddey and Emmett Scott High School

  OH 705

  This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Rev. Osbey Roddey for Dr. Garrison’s project on the History of Emmett Scott High School. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African-Americans, which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill, SC schools. Rev. Roddey is a former Rock Hill City Councilman for 24 years and is a retired educator and pastor at Langrum Baptist Church. In this interview, Rev. Roddy discusses Emmett Scott and race relations in Rock Hill, SC.

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  Interview with Rod Ruth - OH 778

  Rod Ruth and Clover School District

  OH 778

  This interview was conducted by Kenya L. Lane with Rod Ruth as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Clover High School Principal Rod Ruth shares his experiences leading one of the state’s largest public schools amid the year 2020’s alarming rise in racial injustice. He discusses in detail the response of his school and school district to students and parents’ concerns regarding racism, especially in light of the unjust deaths of several African Americans across the nation that year. Ruth also talks about his efforts to understand the problems that African Americans students face. In doing so, he recounts participating in a march against racial injustice led by the members of the Roosevelt Community in Clover, SC. Notable topics of conversation include race, racism, diversity, education, leadership, Clover High School, and the Clover School District (CSD).

  Rod Ruth served as the Principal of Clover High School from 2015 to 2023; he previously taught social studies education and served in several administrative capacities including as Assistant Principal of Oakridge Middle School (2012-14). In 2023, Ruth took on a new role as the CSD Chief Student Services and Secondary Education Officer. The same year, he was named the South Carolina Secondary Principal of the Year by the SCASA. Ruth holds a B.S. degree from Francis Marion University, a M.Ed. degree from USC-Columbia, and an Educational Specialist degree from Winthrop University.

  Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”

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  Interview with Raymond Roeske - VHP 026

  Raymond Roeske

  VHP 026

  In his November 25, 2003 interview with Ray Nielson, Raymond Roeske details his training in the Army Air Corps and his missions overseas during WWII. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with William Rogers - OH 625

  William Rogers

  OH 625

  This interview was conducted as part of the Winthrop History Project, an initiative led by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to document the university’s transformation from Winthrop College to Winthrop University during Dr. DiGiorgio’s 24-year presidency. Designed to supplement Dr. Ross Webb’s The Torch is Passed, which chronicles Winthrop’s history up to Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure, this project aims to provide a comprehensive account of this pivotal period in the institution’s development.

  A key component of the project is a collection of oral history interviews with members of the Winthrop community, including faculty, staff, alumni, and others who contributed to or witnessed the university’s growth. These firsthand accounts offer valuable insights into Winthrop’s evolution, presented in the voices and perspectives of those who experienced it.

  Dr. William Rogers joined Winthrop University in 1989 and has served as a Professor of Biology for over three decades. Recognized for his contributions to academics and university service, Dr. Rogers was named Winthrop’s Distinguished Professor in 2002 and served as a faculty marshal from 2005 to 2010.

  In this interview, Dr. Rogers reflects on his experiences as a faculty member, shares his impressions of Winthrop’s academic and institutional changes, and discusses his professional interactions with Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio during his presidency.

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  Interview with Theodore Rosengarten - OH 268

  Theodore Rosengarten

  OH 268

  IN PROCESSING

  An author from Charleston, South Carolina, Rosengarten discusses himself and his books.

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  Interview with Caroline Mayo Roueche - OH 035

  Caroline Mayo Roueche

  OH 035

  IN PROCESSING

  Ms. Roueche describes her experiences teaching in integrated schools, and experiences first as a high school student at the Winthrop Training School and then as a college student at Winthrop. Also discusses her grandmother and parents, her education, change of women’s roles, drugs, dating trends, and race relations.