Rutherford H. Adkins

Rutherford H. Adkins "Lubby" (1924-1998) was a World War II pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen. He flew fourteen combat missions with the Tuskegee Airmen. He came home to complete his education and earn multiple degrees: he was the first African American to earn a PhD from The Catholic University in Washington D.C. Adkins went on to serve in many positions in higher education including as President of Knoxville College and Fisk University.

Rutherford H. Adkins
Rutherford H. Adkins in 1944
Nickname(s)Lubby
Born(1924-11-21)November 21, 1924
Alexandria, Virginia
DiedFebruary 6, 1996(1996-02-06) (aged 71)
Nashville, Tennessee
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Force
Years of service1943-1945
Unit332nd Fighter Group
Other work
President of Knoxville College President of Fisk University

Military service

World War II
The Tuskegee Airmen's aircraft had distinctive markings that led to the name, "Red Tails."[N 1]

Adlkins was drafted into the army while he was attending college at Temple University in 1943. He received flight training at Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University, in Alabama.[2] He was assigned to the 100th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd, and sent to Europe. In Europe he flew 14 combat mission mostly in support of bombing runs.[3][4]

Education and Career

Adkins first attended college at Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA and later transferred to Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. He was drafted before completing his degree. After his military service, Adkins returned to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Virginia State University in 1947.[2] He went on to earn a master's degree in physics from Howard University in 1949 and was the first African American to receive a PhD from The Catholic University In Washington D.C. in 1955.[3] Adkins thesis is entitled "A Theoretical Investigation of Odd-Odd Nuclei."[5]

Adkins had a long distinguished career in education. He had appointments at Virginia State College, Tennessee State University, the U.S. Naval Academy, and Georgia Institute of Technology.[2] At Fisk University he served as interim president from 1995 to 1996.[2][6][7][8] He then served as the president of Knoxville College from 1976 through 1981. In 1993 Adkins returned to Fisk University as a physic professor and later the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He was appointed Interim President of Fisk University on July 1, 1996 and on February 14, 1997, was named President.[2]

Adkins had an early understanding of the importance of computers for education and research. He was instrumental in acquiring an IBM 370 computer at Fisk University and later became a founding director of the university's computer center.[5]

Research

Adkins research centered on theoretical work in the physics of atomic collisions. His work focused on positronium formation, the onset of avalanches in moist rarefied atmospheres at high energy-to-pressure ratios and energy dissipation in the residual gases of a Z-pinch plasma. He did most of this work during summer appointments at Federal laboratories—namely, NASA's Langley Research Center, the Army's Harry Diamond Laboratory, and the Naval Research Laboratory.[5]

Personal life

Adkins was married to Nanci Cherry Adkins and together they had two daughters.[9] He went on to serve a long distinguished career in education. In 1997 he was diagnosed with cancer, and he died in 1998.[4]

References
  1. Rice, Markus. "The Men and Their Airplanes: The Fighters." Tuskegee Airmen, 1 March 2000.
  2. "Rutherford H. Adkins". CAF RISE ABOVE. October 18, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  3. "Rutherford H. Adkins". redtail. CAF Red Tail Squadron. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
  4. "Fisk President Told He Has Cancer". The Tennessean. December 6, 1997. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
  5. Mickens, Ronald E. (September 1998). "Rutherford Hamlet Adkins". Physics Today. 51 (9): 90–90. doi:10.1063/1.882461. ISSN 0031-9228.
  6. "Dr. Rutherford H. Adkins Educator / Tuskegee Airman / President, Fisk University". alexandriaafricanamericanhalloffame. Alexandria African American Hall of Fame. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
  7. "Fisk U. Cutting Faculty and Salaries". New York Times. July 14, 1975. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
  8. Stewart, JOCELYN Y. (November 25, 1997). "Black Colleges Woo Students Alienated by Prop. 209". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
  9. "Rutherford Adkins". genlookups. Ancestry.com. Retrieved September 2, 2019.

Notes
  1. The red markings that distinguished the Tuskegee Airmen included red bands on the noses of P-51s as well as a red rudder; their P-51B and D Mustangs flew with similar color schemes, with red propeller spinners, yellow wing bands and all-red tail surfaces.[1]
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