1978 Randolph
Elizabeth Schmoke Randolph was a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. She received her bachelor’s degree from Shaw University and her master’s from the University of Michigan. She and her late husband, John Randolph, were devoted members of the First Baptist Church-West where she chaired a number of boards and committees.
Randolph’s career in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools began in 1944 as a school teacher and at the time of her retirement in 1982 she was Associate Superintendent. Her career was marked by her desire to raise the level of student achievement and staff development and she was known for her integrity and visionary leadership.
Randolph was very active in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, as chapter President, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director and National Parliamentarian. She was awarded the prestigious Founders Graduate Service Award for her dedication and service. She was also active in the Young Women's Christian Association, the Charlotte Chapter-Links, Inc., Charlotte Mecklenburg Hospital Authority and the Charlotte Clean City Commission.
She served as a board member of Davidson College, A&T State University, Show University, Queen's College, the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, the Afro American Cultural Center and the Museum of the New South. She co authored “An African American Album” a collection of photographs of Charlotte`s African-American community from 1850 to 1950.
In addition to being the WBT’s Charlotte Woman of the Year she held honorary degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Shaw University and the Public Service Award from the Association of Black Women in Higher Education. She was national president of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.