Dr. Peggy Winder Honored with HerStory Award by ABWA

Education and Commitment to Service Recognized

In a celebratory luncheon held on March 7, 2024, Dr. Peggy Winder was honored with the prestigious 2024 HerStory Award by the Women Connecting Women Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) based in Newberry, South Carolina. Genice E. Hall, Chapter Founder and Pamela Stansberry, Chapter President, presented the award to a jubilant Dr. Winder.

Rising above the Ranks

Dr. Winder’s journey in academics started at Newberry College where she acquired her Bachelor’s degree. She augmented her expertise by gaining a Master’s degree from Western Kentucky University. Consequently, she further enriched her domain knowledge through graduate coursework at the University of South Carolina, and ultimately earned her doctorate from Trident University International. Dr. Winder embarked on her teaching career at Newberry College in 1990.

Beyond her contributions in the classrooms, Dr. Winder was instrumental in shaping the college’s mission to foster diversity and inclusivity within the campus community. Distinctions that propelled her to prominence include her role as the first Black full-time professor and department chair at Newberry College. In addition, she was acknowledged as the first female inductee into the Newberry College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.

Service Recognized

Dr. Winder’s commitment to her community didn’t go unnoticed. In 2024, together with Barbara Langford Davis ‘79, they became the first women to have their Newberry College jerseys retired in basketball. Other notable accolades include the W.C. Carter Professorship Award in 2014 for selfless generosity to students, staff, colleagues, and alumni and being named as one of the “20 South Carolina Women Making a Difference for Women in Sports” by The State newspaper in 1999. Dr. Winder was also chosen as the speaker during the spring 2012 commencement address.

Personal accolades have not stopped Dr. Winder from extending her influence to her family. Residing with retired MSG David A. Winder in Newberry, she is mother to two daughters Kasey Danielle and Rielly Anne, contributing to the future of their community.

The ABWA Helping Women Grow Personally and Professionally

The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), through its Women Connecting Women chapter, is dedicated to enhancing business women’s careers by offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. The ABWA aspires to help women grow through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.

The ABWA hosts professional development and networking sessions on the third Tuesday of every month. With membership open to anyone seeking to augment their professional skills, it offers a platform for continued learning and networking opportunities. Their annual Mardi Gras Extravaganza, an event denoting their commitment to the values they stand for, is scheduled for April 27th in Newberry, S.C.

The HerStory Award presented to Dr. Peggy Winder is a testament to her remarkable accomplishments in academia, reaffirming ABWA’s vision of recognizing and honoring exceptional women’s contributions in their respective fields.