We’re very proud of former Kenbridge resident Cora Bagley Elmira Marrett, who received her honorary doctorate Tuesday from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-M).

Through her numerous accomplishments and accolades, she’s represented Kenbridge very well, and we’re proud of all that she’s done and stood for.

Marrett is an example of what hard work, persistence and determination do for one’s future.

Marrett, born in 1942, was raised in Kenbridge as the youngest of 12 children. Her parents attained only a sixth-grade education.

Marrett’s extensive passion and work in sociology has taken her across the country.

Following her graduation from Lunenburg High School, Marrett received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union University, and a master’s degree and doctorate from UW-M in sociology.

Marrett remembers growing up with her siblings and parents, the late Horace and Clorann Bagley.

Through her education, she’s broken barriers and made not only her family proud, but also this community.

Marrett has held faculty positions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Western Michigan University and UW-M. Marrett has also served as provost at University of Massachusetts — Amherst and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin.

Between her leadership positions at the universities, Marrett became an assistant director at the National Science Foundation from 1992-96 and led the newly-formed Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, according to a press release.

Her success doesn’t end there. In 2007, she was hired once again as an National Science Foundation assistant director, which led to the job of acting director in 2010 and finally, deputy director in May 2011. Through her roles at the colleges, she directed the United Negro College Fund/Andrew Mellon Programs from 1990 until 1992.

We commend Marrett for her hard work and thank her for representing Kenbridge and Lunenburg County so well.