Physicist and legendary entertainer among Central State University’s exceptional women alums

Central State University has a storied tradition of equipping the leaders of tomorrow with the tools and experience they need to advance organizations through innovative education and groundbreaking research. 

Among CSU’s notable, trailblazing women are the late Nancy Wilson, honorary degree, ’76, a Grammy Award-winning jazz singer and actor; and Phyllis Bolds, ’54, a physicist who served the United States Air Force for three decades.

Phyllis Bolds: ‘Dynamo’ STEM trailblazer

Karen Beason remembers her late mother, Phyllis Bolds, as a woman of God, mom, scientist, and physicist. She expected excellence from her five children, demonstrating it in her own life, and instilled the values of honesty and integrity in them. 

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Bolds (nee Allen), ’54, served at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, from 1955-85. The ninth of 10 children, she was valedictorian of her high school class and attended Central State University. Bolds gave birth to her first child the December before her final semester at Central State and, with the support of her family, graduated magna cum laude the next spring. 

Bolds joined the Air Force team as a civilian. She later earned master’s degrees in computer science from the University of Dayton and in management from Simmons Women’s College, now Simmons University, in Boston. 

Barriers were simply no match for Bolds. She was a trailblazer as an African American woman in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and she also overcame a stroke in her early 40s.  

Science and engineering remain male-dominated fields, and that was even more apparent during Bolds’ career. “She kept quiet and listened and learned, and she drew from the experiences of others,” her daughter said. 

Through all the trials and tribulations of her life, Bolds kept an everlasting faith, showing love through everything she did, her daughter said. Bolds continued to overcome adversity to redefine what women could do in the 1950s and beyond. 

Those who knew Bolds said she saw her work as a calling.  

“During an era where many thought women should be homemakers only, taking care of their children and husband, there was a dynamo working in the radar branch at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base from 1955-1985. She was an African American physicist named Phyllis Bolds,” Laura McGowan wrote in “The life, times and legacy of Phyllis Bolds,” an article published March 7, 2019, for Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC).  

The author wrote that “Bolds apparently didn’t get the memo” about mainstream beliefs at the time that woman belonged in the home. 

Bolds’ role involved gathering and analyzing aircraft vibration data on Air Force aircraft, including the B-2, F-15, and C-133A, McGowan wrote.  

“Her legacy goes beyond her family and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,” Beason said. “Mom had a big heart and was generous to a fault.” 

Bolds was an example of someone who “spoke loudly and carried a big stick,” her daughter said, laughing. Her children and grandchildren have adopted their mother’s love of STEM careers. 

The Air Force Material Command article quoted Bolds’ granddaughter, Kristy Bolds, saying, "Not enough words can describe her brilliance and amazing work ethic. She will always be a hero in my eyes. She set the bar so high, I don’t know if I can ever (live up to it), but I will continue to work hard and strive for the best. I’m proud to be her granddaughter. May her sweet spirit have peace in heaven.” 

Bolds has begun to receive the accolades she deserves in recent years. Most recently, on March 25, Central State University honored Bolds posthumously at the Heart of Gold scholarship brunch hosted by Eta Phi Beta Sorority Lambda Chapter’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary.

Nancy Wilson: A musician like no other  

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Nancy Wilson, honorary degree, ’76, was born Feb. 20, 1937, in Chillicothe, Ohio, and grew up singing in church choirs, according to a profile by The HistoryMakers. After her family moved to Columbus, Ohio, she attended West High School, where she won a talent contest sponsored by the local ABC affiliate. The prize? An appearance on the program Skyline Melodies, for which Wilson later became host.  

Nonprofit organization BlackPast described Wilson as a “legendary singer, actress, and musician” and reported Wilson knew she wanted to become a professional singer by the time she was only 4 years old. Others have described her sound as “iconic.”  

A woman from humble beginnings, Wilson enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades. One highlight was being recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) as the 2004 NEA Jazz Master. 

“For my name to be added to the prestigious array of artists who have received this award is truly an honor,” she is quoted as saying at the time. “The NEA is one of the few organizations that have been there for jazz and for that I am truly grateful. This art form does not garner the recognition it so rightfully deserves. May the NEA and its supporters be there to foster and provide the assistance for future generations to come. I thank you.”