Radford University alum Anne B. “Annie B” Crockett-Stark ’69, M.S. ’79, is presented with an honorary associate degree by Wytheville Community College recently.
A storied Highlander who’s also a former state delegate was recently recognized for her longtime support of local education.
Earlier this month, Anne B. “Annie B” Crockett-Stark ’69, M.S. ’79, was presented with an honorary associate degree by Wytheville Community College.
During the May 11 ceremony, WCC President Dean Sprinkle said the gesture was a recognition of Crockett-Star’s contributions toward the progress and development of the school.
After taking early classes at WCC, Crockett-Star transferred to Radford University and earned her bachelor’s degree in English in 1969.
She soon returned to WCC as an adjunct instructor, later developing counseling programs for Wythe County Public Schools and serving as a founding member of the Wythe Arts Council and Chautauqua Festival.
In an effort to get wheelchair ramps installed at Wytheville schools, Crockett-Star ran for town council and, in 1978, became the first woman elected to one of its seats – a feat she accomplished while also earning her master’s degree, again from Radford, in community college guidance.
Following her entry into politics, she followed an upward trajectory – first by serving on the Wythe County Board of Supervisors from 1999 to 2005 and then winning election to the Virginia House of Delegates for Southwest Virginia’s 6th District, a seat she held from 2006 until she retired in 2014.
“In this capacity, she was a strong advocate for state support for Virginia’s community colleges in general and for WCC in particular,” the school said in a news release.
In a 2013 profile by Radford University, Crockett-Stark reflected on her work in the House.
“I like this job because of all the interesting things I’ve learned and all the people I’ve met,” she said, acknowledging that the position had expanded her fields of expertise. “In the House, you don’t have the luxury of just concentrating on education or on just health and welfare. You have to be involved in it all.”
Neil Harvey for Radford University