Dr. Maxine Mimms (1928-2024) was a beacon of hope and progress for Black communities throughout Washington state, including Spokane. Her recent passing on Oct. 8, 2024, marks the loss of a remarkable advocate for justice and equity, whose legacy will continue to shape generations to come.
Dr. Mimms was a tireless educator, community leader, and visionary whose work touched countless lives and helped pave the way for African American students to achieve their full potential.
Dr. Mimm’s impact on higher education is best exemplified by her founding of the Evergreen-Tacoma campus. Under her leadership, the campus was formally established by 1982 with a mission to increase the number of African Americans with college degrees in Washington state. As enrollment grew, the Tacoma campus changed locations several times before finding a permanent home in 2001.
Dr. Mimms’s commitment to education extended beyond traditional academic settings; she became a national consultant in curriculum design and instructional methods, shaping educational strategies across the country.
Dr. Mimms did not limit her dedication to higher education. In 2004, she founded the Maxine Mimms Academy, a nonprofit organization located in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood. The academy was established to serve youth who had been expelled or suspended from public schools, providing a second chance to students who had been underserved by the traditional education system.
Throughout her life, Dr. Mimms embodied the principle of “enter to learn, depart to serve” a mantra that she imparted to all who had the privilege of learning from her. Her vision and commitment not only increased educational access but also cultivated a culture of service and social responsibility.
Her passing is a profound loss, but her legacy lives on through the countless individuals who continue to benefit from the doors she opened the barriers she helped dismantle.