Martha Kime Piper, Ph.D., attended Roanoke College from 1949 to 1951 and became a member of the college's board of trustees in 1980. She was the third generation of her family to serve in that capacity, spanning 87 years.
Dr. Piper was the eighth president of Winthrop College in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a post she assumed in 1986. Prior to that she was the first woman chancellor of the University of Houston-Victoria, after several years as a professor and as assistant to the president of the University of Houston System for Academic Affairs.
She was involved in education for over two decades and was the author of over 25 articles published in national publications. She served on national committees for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and ACE the American Council on Education. She received national recognition for developing new teacher-training programs and for contributions to her respective field.
Besides her academic interests and responsibilities, Dr. Piper was active in civic and cultural affairs in her local area, serving on numerous boards.
In addition to her service as a trustee, Dr. Piper loyally supported Roanoke through membership in the Society of 1842 and the Associates program.
Martha Kime Piper received the Roanoke College Medal in 1987.