University of Michigan - Flint

Dr. Dorothea Wyatt, through a generous estate gift, has continued her legacy of leadership and commitment to the University of Michigan-    Flint and the History program.  Through Dr. Wyatt’s foresight and generosity in making this transformative gift, the UM-Flint History program will transcend to new levels of excellence.  This gift was officially announced during a press conference on March 13, 2008 at the UM-Flint campus.

In 1956, Dr. Wyatt became one of the original ”founding” faculty members of Flint College, University of Michigan.  Five years later, she was promoted to full professor. She was named the first chairperson of the Department of History, and in 1974, she was named the first recipient of The University of Michigan-Flint Outstanding Professorship Award.

Dorothea Wyatt enhanced her reputation as a teacher through her research.  Her publications include Julia Tutwiler and Social Progress in Alabama, and she also served as a Contributing Editor to the Encyclopedia Britannica.  In addition to her activity within the University, she brought her expertise and energy to the Flint community in a number of capacities:  as a member in the American Association of University Women, Zonta Club, and Delta Kappa Gamma.

On June 30, 1975, after a most productive career as teacher, advisor, and scholar, she retired from The University of Michigan-Flint with the status of Professor Emerita. 

The University of Michigan-Flint Dorothea E. Wyatt Award was established in 1988 and was named in honor of Dr. Wyatt.  Candidates for this award are members of the campus community who are leaders in promoting equity and opportunities for women and who are involved in the creation or implementation of programs to better the status of women.

Dr. Wyatt passed away July 31, 2007 at the age of 98. 

Her love of the University and its students was shown by the bequest that she designated to improve and enhance the History program. At the time the University was notified of the gift, the market value was estimated at approximately $6 million.

Welcome to the University of Michigan-Flint development website – a place that makes it possible for you to “Imagine the Difference” you can make with your donation!  If you are an alumnus, faculty, staff, parent, student, or supporter of the UM-Flint community, any time is the right time to get involved.

Currently, the university is getting ready to embark on one of its greatest adventures –student housing. In July 2008, this 300 bed facility will open and bring with it the opportunity for the university to reach out to students who now have the option of attending our university! 

Along with the creation of student housing, David M. French Hall will undergo a transformation as well. New paint and carpet won’t be the only added benefits - new technology will give professors the resources necessary to keep UM-Flint students current in the ever-changing technology field. For the university to reach its goal of 8,000 students enrolled by 2010 – these advances are paramount.

Student housing and technology advances will attract a larger student body, which will put an even larger strain on the already overextended scholarship pool. Last year, 180 students who applied to the university were qualified for merit based scholarships - there was only enough funding to offer 10 of those deserving students a full ride.