Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke

Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke was one of the first five African American undergraduates admitted to Duke University in 1963.

Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke was born as Wilhelmina Reuben in South Carolina. She is the oldest of six children. Her father, Odell Reuben, served as President of Morris College, where her mother was also a professor.

Reuben-Cooke was one of the first five African American students admitted to Duke University in the fall semester of 1963, along with Mary Mitchell Harris, Gene Kendall, Cassandra Smith Rush, and Nathaniel B. White, Jr. As a senior in 1967, Reuben-Cooke was elected May Queen by receiving the most write-in votes of any student in the Duke University Woman’s College. After graduating from Duke, she received her juris doctor from the University of Michigan School of Law in 1973.

Reuben-Cooke is currently a professor of law at the University of the District of Columbia. She was previously a professor of law and associate dean at Syracuse University.

Controversy

Reuben-Cooke’s appointment as the provost and vice president of academic affairs of the University of the District of Columbia was met with controversy. Some felt she lacked the requisite educational experience for the job, but her appointment was defended by UDC President William L. Pollard.

Reuben-Cooke is married to Edmund Cooke.