ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, March 12, 1996 TAG: 9603120077
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
TYPE: NEWS OBIT
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
Mildred T. Tate, who played a key role in re-establishing the Department of Home Economics at Virginia Tech, died Sunday.
Tate came to Tech in 1937 to develop the department after it was closed five years earlier because of budget cuts.
She was promoted to full professor in 1939 and was appointed head of the department of home Economics and dean of women, posts she held until her retirement two decades later. She also led the graduate and undergraduate programs in child development and family relationship issues.
Tate was a pioneer in providing opportunities for women "at a time when it wasn't necessarily the popular thing to do," said Janet Johnson, interim dean of the College of Human Resources.
Johnson said Tate was instrumental in getting Hillcrest Hall built as the first dormitory for women. She said Tate was an excellent role model for women at the university, especially for Laura Jane Harper.
Harper, who followed Tate as head of the department of home economics, died Feb. 27.
Tate spent her retirement years in Blacksburg with her husband, Leland, a professor emeritus of sociology.
LENGTH: Short : 33 linesby CNB