Fisk University Athletics to Host Historic Book Signing with Trailblazer Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton
Celebrating the release of Title IX from the Front Row: The History of Women’s Sports at Fisk University, 1970–1990 and Beyond
Nashville, TN – During the 2025 Homecoming Athletics Alumni Meet & Greet, Fisk University Athletics is set to honor one of its most influential leaders, Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton, with a special book signing event on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Appleton Room of Jubilee Hall. This event marks the publication of her important new work, Title IX From the Front Row: The History of Women's Sports at Fisk University, 1970–1990 and Beyond.
Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton broke new ground as Fisk University's first female Athletic Director and as the first Black woman to serve in that role at an NCAA Division III school. Her journey at Fisk began under the guidance of Coach J.C. Martin, who hired her as the university's first full-time women's athletic coach. She would go on to serve as Head Coach for volleyball, basketball, and women's tennis, making significant advancements that reshaped women's athletics at Fisk.
In just two years, she led Fisk to its first women's basketball championship, securing the Tennessee College Women's Sport Federation crown in 1980. As Head Volleyball Coach, she guided the team to its inaugural women's volleyball championship in 1988, capturing the Women's Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title. Her impact reached tennis as well, with her teams earning numerous Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference individual championships for both women and men.
Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton's contributions extended nationally, as she became the inaugural Chair of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship Committee and served on the ABA-USA Olympic Women's Basketball Committee, which selected the gold medal–winning 1984 U.S. Women's Olympic Basketball Team.
Her remarkable achievements have been recognized with inductions into the Fisk University Sports Hall of Fame and the Temple University Women's Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame.
"Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton is the ultimate advocate for Title IX. Her journey serves as a powerful example for all who follow. She continues to share her story with relentless passion and grace," said Valencia Jordan, Fisk University's current Athletic Director and a former women's basketball player under Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton.
Reflecting on her career, Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton stated, "This book is both my personal story and an important account of the progress Title IX has enabled. Fisk gave me the chance to lead, to coach, and to dream bigger than I ever thought possible. Through this book, I hope to pay tribute to the women who played, persevered, and laid the foundation for those who follow."