Lida Kittrell Barrett

Roger and Donna Barrett. Aunt Lida was one of the greatest woman that I have ever known. She was fun but stern and had a gift to tell stories. I loved to listen to her because her accent was a lot Texan but a little Tennessee. She was always kind and helpful.

I am the current head of the math department, and I can say that Lida had a great impact (for the better) many years before I arrived in 1992. I met her a few times in recent years after another department head, John Bradley, and his wife established a fund to support the Barrett Lectures, which were created after the death of her husband. The Bradley endowment honors them both. The Bradley Memorial Lectures is one of the most important math conferences in the southeast and in the future will...

In the early '70s, I was an graduate student in the mathematics department at UTK. One day during class, I was summoned to Dr. Barrett's office. With my hands and feet sweating and my mind going over anything I thought I had done wrong, I made my way to her office. Dr. Barrett offered me a job proctoring two classes of undergraduate mathematics students because "I want everyone to know that girls know math!" Passionate professor, dedicated mentor, and exemplar role model. Sincerest...

In the early ‘70s, I was a math major at UT Knoxville. One day I was summoned from class and told that Dr. Barrett would like to speak to me. With my hands and feet sweating and my mind wondering what I had done wrong, I arrived in her office. Dr. Barrett offered me a job as a proctor for a couple of classes of students who were struggling with the mathematics curriculum. She let me know that she wanted me to do a fabulous job because she wanted to prove that “girls can do math!” At the end...

Once Lida was no longer able to walk, she gifted me her pair of hiking/walking sticks. Every hike I take is dedicated to Miss Lida. Rest in Peace, dear Lida...