Guntersville Recognizes Trailblazing Alumnae for Distinguished Careers in Science, Education and Service
AAMU Alumnae Jeanette Scissum, Dr. Barbara Anthony Receive Keys to the City
Two distinguished Alabama A&M University alumnae whose groundbreaking careers have influenced generations were recently honored by their hometown of Guntersville, Alabama.
Jeanette Scissum, a pioneering NASA mathematician and space scientist, and her cousin, Dr. Barbara Jean Henderson Anthony, a longtime educator and former Alabama A&M faculty member, received keys to the city in recognition of their lifetime achievements and lasting contributions.
Guntersville Mayor Leigh Dollar presented each woman with a city resolution recognizing her accomplishments and legacy. As part of Scissum’s recognition, the city also proclaimed Aug. 8 as Jeanette Scissum Day, to be observed each year in her honor.
Scissum earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Alabama A&M before joining NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in 1964. She became a trailblazer in the nation’s space program, conducting research related to solar activity and later serving in several scientific and technical roles at NASA.
Jeanette Scissum smiles as she holds a City of Guntersville proclamation recognizing her groundbreaking career in science and contributions to the nation’s space program.
In 1967, Scissum published the NASA report “Survey of Solar Cycle Prediction Models,” which explored techniques for improving forecasts of the sunspot cycle. She later worked as a space scientist in Marshall’s Space Sciences Laboratory and at NASA Headquarters.
Anthony’s connection to Alabama A&M also spans decades. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in music from AAMU at age 19 before continuing her education at George Peabody College, now part of Vanderbilt University, and the University of Alabama, where she earned a doctorate in education.
She later joined the faculty of Alabama A&M, where thousands of future teachers and students benefited from her instruction, mentorship and commitment to academic excellence throughout her distinguished career.
Dr. Barbara Jean Henderson Anthony holds her City of Guntersville proclamation alongside Mayor Leigh Dollar during a ceremony honoring Anthony for her distinguished career in education and service.
Anthony also made an impact beyond the classroom. As chair of the Reading Is Fundamental program for the Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she helped lead the program to national recognition as one of the 25 best reading programs in the United States. The achievement took Anthony to the White House, where she was honored by then-first lady Barbara Bush for her contributions to literacy and educational advancement.
The recognition celebrated two cousins whose journeys from Guntersville to Alabama A&M led to careers of national significance in science and education. Their accomplishments reflect a shared legacy of scholarship, perseverance, leadership and service that has influenced their families, communities and generations who followed.
Anthony Campbell explores the remarkable journeys of Scissum and Anthony in The Advertiser-Gleam feature, “From a Dirt Road to the Moon.”
From left, Adolph Scissum, son of Jeanette Scissum; Jeanette Scissum, seated; her husband, Andrew Mickens; and Dr. Barbara Jean Henderson Anthony gather during the City of Guntersville’s recognition of Scissum and Anthony.