Rutherford H. Adkins

Rutherford H. Adkins
Rutherford H. Adkins in 1944
Nickname(s)Lubby
Born(1924-11-21)November 21, 1924
Alexandria, Virginia
DiedFebruary 6, 1998(1998-02-06) (aged 73)
Nashville, Tennessee
BranchUnited States Army Air Force
Years of service1943–1945
Unit332nd Fighter Group
Other work
President of Knoxville College President of Fisk University

Rutherford Hamlet "Lubby" Adkins (November 21, 1924 – February 6, 1998) was an American military aviator and university administrator who served with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He flew fourteen combat missions with the Tuskegee Airmen. He came home to complete his education and earn multiple degrees: he was the first African American to earn a PhD from The Catholic University in Washington D.C. Adkins went on to serve in many positions in higher education including as President of Knoxville College and Fisk University.