Bradley University’s first female African-American faculty member died in a car accident Monday in Peoria. Bradley President Joanne Glasser says Doctor Barbara Penelton joined the college of Education and Health Sciences in 1969. She also chaired the Department of Teacher Education and served as the University Ombudsman. Penelton also received recognition including the Putnam Award for Teaching Excellence and the YWCA Leadership Award.
The visitation and funeral for Penelton are Sunday at the New Cornerstone Baptist Church. The visitation is from 2:00 - 4:00 with the funeral immediately following. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers any gifts be directed to the Endowed Scholarship Fund in her name at Bradley.