Dr. Wendy Glasgow Winters

Wilda Ann Russell “Wendy” born in Norwalk CT to Gladys E. (Carter) and William Russell was a champion baton twirler and talented tap dancer as a young girl graduating from Norwalk High school in 1948. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with honors from Teachers College of Connecticut in 1952 and a Master of Science from Columbia University School of Social Work in 1954. She earned her doctorate in Sociology at Yale University in 1975. A research fellow of Pierson College, since 1969, she was Chief social worker Baldwin-King Schools Program Child Study Center Yale University, 1968—1975, Associate professor & assistant dean of academic affairs of University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work 1975—1978.

Dr. Winters, who was appointed by Jill Ker Conway in 1979, became the very first African American Dean of the College of Smith College. In addition to being Smith’s Dean of the College from 1979 to 1984, Wendy was also Associate professor of sociology and anthropology as well as adjunct associate professor of social work until 1987. After Smith college, Wendy went to Howard University in 1987 as the first female Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences until 1992 and an Associate Professor in the department of sociology and anthropology until her retirement.

In addition to writing articles for Ebony and Jet Magazines, she authored African American Mothers and Urban Schools: The Power of Participation in 1998 and The Practice of Social Work in Schools: An Ecological Perspective (Fields of Practice) co-authored Frieda Easton in 1983 which received the following Amazon review in 2023: “I’m so glad I found this book, thank you! Needed it for my dissertation - what a gem!” In 1993, she was recognized by The Washingtonian Magazine as one of the 100 most powerful women in Washington DC.

Wendy served on the Board directors Greater New Haven Urban League, 1969—1971; Board directors Leila Day Nurseries Incorporated, New Haven, 1975—1978; a member of the juvenile justice advisory committee Connecticut Justice Commission, 1977; Board corporators Heritage & Network Information Service Bank Savings, 1979—1987 and on the Casey Family Services Board in the early 2000s.

She was Member of The Links Inc., National Association Social Workers, American Sociological Association, American Orthopsychiatry Association; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and an Emerita Member of the Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.

She is survived by her son Roger D Glasgow of Arlington Virginia, her daughter Allison Glasgow Lafontaine and granddaughter Quinn Lafontaine of Paris, France; her sisters Mary E. Russell of Norwalk CT, Anna R. Mora of East Orange NJ, cousins, Donna and Karl Lewis and Elaine Ganat of Norwalk CT as well as other family members near and far.