Dr. Avis Hinkson, the first African American to hold the position of Dean of College at Barnard College, the prestigious liberal arts college for women in New York City, was honored with the Beacon Award for Outstanding Achievement in Education by the New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women, Inc. at its recent Annual Founders Day Commemoration.
With 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Hinkson was director of undergraduate advising at the University of California-Berkeley prior to her appointment at Barnard College in February 2011.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Avis Hinkson attended public schools before entering Barnard College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree. She went on to earn a master’s degree from Teacher’s College of Columbia University and a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.
“It is a dream come true” Dr. Hinckson said, describing her return to her alma mater and the opportunity of giving back..
“Barnard gave so much to me as a first-generation student of color and now, in my role as an advocate for students, I am humbled by the opportunity to give back.”
Dr. Hinkson joins a list of outstanding Beacon Award recipients including last year’s awardees, Ms. Angela Guy, senior vice president, and general manager of Soft-Sheen Carson, a division of L’Oreal, USA and Dr. Danielle Moss-Lee, president and CEO of HEAF, Higher Education Activity Fund.
The Beacon Award is bestowed to individuals who embody qualities demonstrated in their professional fields or community involvements that reveal what it truly means to lead by example. Award recipients provide women with positive images to emulate and values to be respected and admired.
Audraine Wilson, long-time coalition member and former coalition president, was also honored for her years of service to the organization.
The Coalition of One Hundred Black Women not for profit incorporation was founded in 1970 in New York City. The New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women is the founding chapter and over the past 40 years has advocated on behalf of women and their families, and through programs and activities has sought to improve the lives of women and girls.
