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A historical figure in Kentucky’s history came back to Kentucky State University for an associate degree. It took some coaxing from her sister, however, to do it.

Barbara White, 80, and the Commonwealth’s first African American and first woman state registrar, enrolled at Kentucky State in 1957. White completed the 1957-58 and 1958-59 semesters, then withdrew because of other life obligations. White went back for a semester in 1962 and completed a semester, probably her total accumulated hours to 63.

“My father kept saying to go back,” White said.

But she had a job with a state working in the Office of Biostatistics and got promoted. Eventually she made history as the state’s registrar. White retired 20 years ago, she said, after 30 years of service.

The week before Homecoming her sister, Cornelia Calhoun, called her up.

“Get your transcript and get up here,” Calhoun told her.

Calhoun is an active Kentucky State alumna and volunteers her time with the University.

“She pushed me to do it,” White said. “I dropped out and get on with life. I was doing all right and didn’t think about it.”

White met with Sophia Rucker-Taylor, student ombudsperson, and determined she had already accumulated enough credits for an associate degree.

“Getting my degree will give encouragement to my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” White said.

White ordered her cap and gown and will walk across the stage.

After retiring, White said she helps out with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. White is also a member of the choir at First Corinthian Baptist Church.