Campbell’s former first lady receives honorary degree

     Mildred Harmon Wiggins, wife of Dr. Norman A. Wiggins, chancellor and past president of Campbell University, was given an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at Campbell’s graduation exercises on Monday, May 14. Mrs. Wiggins served as first lady of Campbell for 36 years.

     “Mildred Harmon Wiggins has invested her personal life and professional career in education,” said Campbell President Dr. Jerry Wallace. “She is a teacher who has made the world a better and wiser place.”

     Mrs. Wiggins taught in the public schools of Rocky Mount ad Winston-Salem and served as an administrative assistant to the dean and secretary in the Office of the General Counsel at Wake Forest College. She became first lady of Campbell University in 1967.

     A native of Coats, N.C., Mrs. Wiggins earned an Associate of Arts degree from Campbell College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest College and a Master of Education from Columbia University. She met her husband Norman Wiggins while a student at Campbell.

     “A gracious hostess, Mrs. Wiggins was equally comfortable entertaining students, faculty, trustees, advisors or heads of state as first lady of Campbell University,” Wallace said. “She was willing to make the personal sacrifices necessary to ensure the ultimate success of the university.”

     Photo Copy: Mildred Harmon Wiggins receives the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at Campbell University’s 121st graduation exercises on Monday, May 14. Hooding Mrs. Wiggins is Dr. Karen Nery, dean of the School of Education. (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)