Betty Hyde MILE Scholarship Helps Minority Students

Betty Hyde

Betty Evans Hyde grew up in Missouri at a time when African-Americans were not allowed to attend state teacher colleges. Determined to continue her education, she saved her money and researched colleges to find one that would admit her and permit her to live in the dorms. In 1949, she enrolled at Iowa State Teachers College (now University of Northern Iowa) in Cedar Falls.

After receiving her bachelor's degree in 1952, Betty stayed on to earn her master's with the help of a fellowship. Betty says, "I was thrilled to receive a $750 stipend. I knew from that moment I wanted to give back someday."

In 1953, Betty began teaching in Minona. She was the first African-American graduate of ISTC to be placed in a nonmetropolitan Iowa town. Her career in education spanned 45 years, with the last 17 years as a principal in Des Moines. Now retired, Betty continues to work with youths.

Eager to give back and to help minority students further their education, Betty established the Betty Hyde MILE scholarship. Today, aspiring principals and superintendents benefit from her generosity—people like Anel Garza de Sandoval, whose story is featured on the front of this newsletter.

"I hope these scholarships will encourage students to go beyond their bachelor's or master's degree," Betty says. "I hope that minority students will be encouraged to attend UNI. They can add so much to the UNI culture and receive so much in return. I'm proud of the way UNI has developed over the years. I want to help the university and its students thrive."