James L. ‘Skip’ Rutherford III donates Black history books to Lyon library

Lyon College Black Student Association advisers Tamija Tucker-Mayes and Dr. Branndii Peterson, along with BSA member Jakobe Alcorn, a junior from Searcy, review new additions to the Mabee-Simpson Library’s Black History Collection. This marks the fourth consecutive year Lyon College trustee James L. “Skip” Rutherford has contributed to the collection; his donation now totals 82 volumes dedicated to celebrating and preserving Black culture and history.

In recognition of Black History Month in February, Batesville native James L. “Skip” Rutherford III, dean emeritus of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service and a member of the Lyon College Board of Trustees, has once again donated a curated selection of Black history books to the Mabee-Simpson Library at Lyon College.

This marks the fourth consecutive year Rutherford has contributed to the college’s Black History Collection; his donation now totals 82 volumes dedicated to celebrating and preserving Black culture and history.

The 28 new titles added this year include works highlighting the lives of influential African American leaders and the broader cultural and historical contributions of Black Americans.

Among the widely read and critically acclaimed additions to the collection are “James” by Percival Everett; “John Lewis: A Life” by David Greenberg; “Black in Blues” by Imani Perry; “Mother Emanuel” by Kevin Sack; “I Lived to Tell the Story” by Tamika D. Mallory; and “Fearless and Free” by Josephine Baker. Each offers powerful perspectives on Black history, leadership, culture and lived experience.

Rutherford emphasized the importance of making these resources accessible to students and the broader community.

“Like the remarkable Black women in the 2016 film ‘Hidden Figures’ about the United States space program, there are many hidden figures in Black and American history,” Rutherford said. “It is my hope that expanding the collection with these books will broaden experiences and enhance opportunities for those at Lyon College and throughout the region.”

Rutherford, who served as dean of the Clinton School of Public Service from 2006 to 2021, has long been committed to advancing education and public service. A Batesville native, he has also served as a visiting professor at Lyon College and has consistently supported the college’s mission of preparing students to think critically.

“At a time when national conversations about history, identity and representation in education are becoming increasingly charged, this acquisition carries real significance. It underscores the steady progress our institution has made. What once were limited offerings have grown into library collections that better reflect a range of voices and lived experiences,” said Dr. Branndii Peterson, executive director of TRIO and adviser to the Black Student Association at Lyon College.

“Mr. Rutherford’s decision to secure these books reinforces the college’s responsibility to educate with integrity and intention. These works are not simply additions to a shelf. They signal a continued commitment to fostering an academic environment that equips students to understand and navigate the diverse society they will lead and serve.”

For the latest additions to the collection, Rutherford partnered with Lyon College Library Director Dr. Robert Krapohl to curate a selection of titles that includes both historical accounts and works addressing contemporary issues such as racial justice and Black cultural contributions.

To honor Rutherford’s contributions, the Mabee-Simpson Library will feature a special exhibit showcasing the expanded Black History Collection throughout February. The exhibit, which is open to the public, will coincide with Lyon College’s Black History Month celebration that includes weekly events open to students, faculty, staff and the general public.

For more information and to visit the Mabee-Simpson Library online, please access https://libguides.lyon.edu/home.

  Batesville native James L. “Skip” Rutherford III, dean emeritus of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service and a member of the Lyon College Board of Trustees.

Images via Lyon College