Their extraordinary contributions have left a lasting impact on the University of Vermont, the greater Vermont community, and communities across the nation and abroad—through their work in public health, global service, and cross-cultural initiatives. Their legacy reflects the spirit of Andrew Harris, UVM’s first African American graduate, and continues to inspire future generations.
Dr. Jackson Clemmons
A physician, pathologist, and scholar, was the second African American faculty member at the University of Vermont College of Medicine.
Dr. Jackson Clemmons
At UVM, he often designed and built his own research equipment and passionately advocated for expanding access to medical education. He championed recruitment strategies to attract and retain more students and faculty of color, and served as an advisor to several national agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Institutes of Health.
In 1962, he and his wife Lydia purchased a 148-acre farm in Charlotte, Vermont—a choice questioned at the time but which grew into a vibrant space for family, community, and cultural exchange. Dr. Clemmons was deeply involved in local education, serving as a school director, vice chair of the Champlain Valley Union High School board, and co-president of the Charlotte Central School PTA alongside Lydia. Throughout his career, he mentored countless students and young professionals, leaving a lasting impact locally and internationally through his dedication to service, education, and empowerment.
Lydia Clemmons
The first African American nurse anesthetist at UVM, was a dedicated educator and artist who spent many years at the UVM Medical Center.
Lydia Clemmons
Known for her clinical excellence and creative health education efforts—such as leading a 1989 mock operation on “Big Bird” to demystify hospital procedures for children—she made healthcare more accessible and engaging.
A longtime Charlotte resident, Lydia played a central role in community building. Alongside her husband, she co-led the Charlotte Central School PTA, helped raise five children on their farm, and fostered cross-cultural learning through founding Authentica African Imports, which introduced African art and storytelling to Vermont audiences. Drawing from years of travel and volunteer work across Africa, Lydia and Dr. Clemmons together volunteered in hospitals and medical centers on the continent from 1984 to 2005. Lydia passed away in 2024 at the age of 101, leaving a legacy of compassion, creativity, and profound impact both locally and globally.