Naomi Jones McAfee

Naomi Jones McAfee, a pioneer among women, is the first woman to graduate with a degree in Physics from WKU in 1956. She started as a Chemistry major at WKU, then switched to Physics. During her 38-year tenure at Westinghouse, McAfee played a lead role in a number of progressive activities both within and outside the company. She became the first woman Supervisory Engineer at Westinghouse and was one of the most respected and well-liked members of the management team. Through her excellent technical background, work ethic, and respect for people, McAfee persevered over the years to successfully change the culture of the entire Westinghouse design organization, which included more than 5,000 engineers. She has served as an advisor and consultant to the Department of Defense along with the Air Force and Army. In 1982 she was appointed to serve a three-year term on the President’s Commission on the National Medal of Science.

Throughout her prolific engineering career, Ms. McAfee has distinguished herself a true visionary and leader. She continues her Hilltopper legacy by generously supports the Physics and Astronomy Department as well as the SKyTeach program here at WKU. Through her fund, established in 2010, the Naomi Jones McAfee SkyTeach Scholarship Fund, Ms. McAfee continues to pave the way for other women by aiding deserving female participants in the SKyTeach Program with a focus in Physics.