Dr. Rutherford H. Adkins: President, Fisk University, Tuskeegee Airman, and Educator

Dr. Rutherford H. Adkins

As a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, he flew 14 overseas missions with this elite squadron of black pilots.  After earning his Ph.D. at Catholic University, this Alexandria native served as a member of the 100^th Fighter Squadron of the 332^nd Fighter Group (Tuskegee Airmen) until 1945.  Dr. Adkins served as a physics professor at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial College, Fisk University, and the U.S. Naval Academy.  Dr. Adkins served as president of Knoxville College from 1976 to 1981, at which time he retired.  In 1997, he returned to public life after being named the 11^th president of Fisk University.