Cora Duffy McHenry
Legendary Educator & Advocate | Class of 2024-NEW
Cora Cornelius Duffy McHenry, was born in Augusta, Arkansas, one of thirteen children of the late Leona and Octavius Duffy, Sr. Her parents emphasized the importance of education and faith in their children’s development. McHenry earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and pursued post-bachelor’s studies at Hamilton College Language Institute. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Arkansas and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Shorter College, where she served as president for many years.
Her first professional teaching position was with Camden Public Schools, where she taught French and English for ten years. She later realized she could make a greater impact on students by working with the Arkansas Education Association (AEA). This decision led to one of her most significant accomplishments: being selected as the AEA’s Executive Director for over two decades. McHenry’s appointment followed a six-month national search from a pool of twenty-two candidates, of which twenty-one were white males, making her selection especially notable. Throughout her career, McHenry has been recognized for her outstanding service and contributions.
As a philanthropic, community activist, she served on the Board of Directors for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, the National Council of Christians and Jews (NCCJ), Peace Links, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Her numerous honors include the establishment of the Cora McHenry Scholarship for Teaching Excellence at Arkansas Tech University, the American Civil Liberties Union’s Susan B. Anthony Award, and being named one of Arkansas Business magazine’s Top 100 Women in the state. These recognitions highlight her lifelong dedication to social justice, equality, empowerment, and educational excellence. Beyond her professional achievements, McHenry is known for her compassion, mentorship, and commitment to uplifting others. McHenry is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She was married to Henry McHenry for 57 years until his passing in 2019, and they were blessed with one daughter, Stephanie.