WGNS presents more about the death of Dr. Linda Kennedy. This from her alma matter. She was one of the first five African-American students to attend Middle Tennessee State University in the 1960s. She is remembered as a lifelong K-12 educator and administrator who touched the lives of young people, colleagues and others.

Dr. Kennedy (’92, ’94), a Murfreesboro resident who earned master’s and specialist in education degrees from the University, died Jan. 26 after a second bout with cancer. The Smyrna Middle School principal and former La Vergne High Schoolprincipal was 65.

“Linda Kennedy was a trailblazer at MTSU and an inspiration to those who followed in her footsteps at our University,” said University President Sidney A. McPhee. “Her legacy at our University, as well as her distinguished service to the state of Tennessee and Rutherford County as a teacher and principal, will not be forgotten. We recognize and honor her achievements and mourn her passing.” 

In 1963, Kennedy and four others were the first African Americans to attend MTSU, then called Middle Tennessee State College. This led to the University’s desegregation. MTSU’s Black Alumni Society commemorated this effort in 1992. 

Kennedy left MTSU and later earned a bachelor’s in education from the University of Central Arkansas. She would return to MTSU, earning her graduate degrees in the early to mid-1990s.

She was married to Alex Kennedy. One of their four daughters, Toni Kennedy-Forbes (’92), also is an MTSU alumna. Their other daughters include Tammy Kennedy Miller, Tonnya Kennedy Kohn and Taylor Kennedy. Survivors also include five grandchildren.

The family visitation will be from 1:30 to 2:30 this Sunday afternoon (1/29/2012) at the North Boulevard Church of Christ (1112 N. Rutherford Blvd.). A celebration of the life will follow.