Lucy Grigsby papers

Lucy Clemmons Grigsby was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Clemmons. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and History from Louisville Municipal College, University of Louisville. Grigsby later earned a master’s degree in English from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University) in 1941. After graduating from Atlanta University, she became the first student ever offered employment by the University immediately after commencement and joined the faculty in the English department. Grigsby worked for Atlanta University for close to 60 years.

During her time at the University, she served as a professor and chair of the English department. Students nicknamed her “Mother Grigsby.” Additionally, she was chair of the Ceremonials Committee, contributed to the Phylon as well as served as Associate Editor from 1954 to 1998, she was the co-chair of the Committee on the Inauguration of President Luther S. Williams, and served as director of the Three Universities Fellowship Program. Major contributions to the University came from her sixteen years as the Faculty Assembly Representative to the Board of Trustees. She retired from teaching after 46 years and was appointed to the Clark Atlanta University Steering Committee on Consolidation after her retirement. She rejoined the University as University Editor and served in this role for 12 years. Grigsby worked for five of the ten presidents of Atlanta University, three of the eight acting presidents, and the first Clark Atlanta University president.

Outside of Atlanta University, Grigsby was a member of the Conference on College Composition and Communication, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the long-time secretary of the College Language Association (CLA). She was a member of the First Congregational Church, UCC in Atlanta. She was married to J. Howard Grigsby for 52 years and had one son, Richard H. Grigsby. Grigsby passed in October 1998.

The honors she received through her career include: the first University Trustees’ Excellence in Teaching Award in 1963, Toastmaster International Professor of the Year in the Atlanta University Center in 1977, inaugural recipient of the first Atlanta University Student Government Association Teacher of the Year Award in 1984, and “Distinguished Alumni Award,” from NAFEO in 1987. Additionally, the Board of Trustees granted Grigsby the status of Professor Emerita in 1987. She received a honorary degree of Doctor of Literature at the Charter Day Convocation at Atlanta University in 1988.