OUR HISTORY

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Societas Docta, Incorporated was initiated in early 1987 when Dr. Abigail Jordan and Dr. Ada Burnette saw the need for an organization of African American women with terminal degrees to motivate others to obtain theirs. The pre-planning phase included adding Dr. Anna Pearl Atkinson to the team, as the founders, thus they became known as the “A” team. Dr. Atkinson prepared the constitution and arranged the first organizing meeting. Dr. Ada Burnette conceptualized and prepared many documents on the major thrusts for the organization and wrote the motto. Dr. Abbie Jordan worked with a Priest and drew the name and insignia, obtained an Atlanta mailing address, and developed the incorporation papers.

During this period, everything was done cooperatively and collaboratively through numerous telephone calls, correspondence and meetings in Atlanta. Dr. Anna Pearl Atkinson, Dr. Ada Burnette, and Dr. Abbie Jordan were the inaugurating President, Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Societas Docta National, Incorporated held its first membership meeting in Atlanta, Georgia November 13-14, 1987 at the Ramada Inn Hotel, Capital Avenue, S.W. thirty –eight members attended and embraced the ideas of Societas Docta, National Incorporated. Officers elected were: Dr. Anna Pearl Atkinson, President; Dr. Audreye Johnson, 1st Vice President; Dr. Catherine Dorsey-Gaines, 2nd Vice President; Dr. Ada Burnette, Recording Secretary; Dr. Barbara G. Stinson, Corresponding Secretary; and Dr. Anna B. Cole, Treasurer.

Societas Docta has grown from its 1987 conception to a viable organization today, which has maintained a committed and dedicated cadre of officers and members. During the period of 1987 to 1991, the membership grew more than 100% to 75 members. The membership is continuing to expand through emphasis on chapters, districts and members-at-large.

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The major focus continues to be mentoring, networking, scholarships and recognitions with the mission to motivate, inspire and mentor African American females to complete and obtain doctoral degrees. Research forums, scholarships and the Nefertiti Banquet are among the integral parts of the annual conferences held at various locations. 

The Greater Kansas City Chapter of Societas Docta, Incorporated was organized under the local leadership of Dr. Everlyn Williams in March 2007. Dr. Williams, Dr. Mary Long, Dr. JoAnna Warren and Dr. Edith Coleman attended the SDI National Conference in Newark, New Jersey in October of 2006, where they received the Greater Kansas City Chapter charter.

These four members, along with Dr. Jessie Kirksey, each began recruiting more members and, as a result of their tireless efforts, 13 more ladies joined the chapter, making a total of eighteen members.
Chartering members were: Dr. Everlyn Williams, Dr. Mary Long, Dr. JoAnna Warren, Dr. Edith Coleman, Dr. Gwendolyn Squires, Dr. Marjorie Williams, Dr. Janice Cade, Dr. Juana Hishaw, Dr. Margaret Evans, Dr. Mary McConnell, Dr. Terita McCauley, Dr. Eva Tucker-Nevels, Dr. Jessie Kirskey, Dr. Loyce Caruthers, Dr. Paula Livingston, Dr. Deloris Pinkard, Dr. Brenda Matthews, Dr. Zora Durham. 

Since its inception, Societas Docta, Incorporated (which means a “Society of Doctors” in Latin) has supported the purpose of bringing together, motivating, and inspiring women to pursue and achieve the terminal degree in their chosen field of professional endeavor. This organization acknowledges and enhances the relationships among distinguished women, recognizes the accomplishments of women who may have been by-passed because of their gender, race or ethnicity; shares and supports research efforts and findings; and provides an international network for African American women.