Wilkinson, Viola Hunt (1909-2001)

Viola Hunt Wilkinson helped numerous families and children both in Wisconsin and across the nation understand themselves and their family relationships better.

She arrived at UW in 1950 as an assistant professor, after finishing a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension at Iowa State University (1931) and an MS in Child Development and Family Relationships at Cornell University (1950). Before becoming a UW professor Wilkinson taught home economics in Iowa and Milwaukee public high schools.

As an extension specialist Wilkinson influenced both the Wisconsin extension programs and Wisconsin families. To encourage people to discuss difficult family issues, Wilkinson used a variety of innovative techniques in her presentations and workshops, including skits, role-playing, and theoretical situations. Her services were in great demand throughout the state. She frequently spoke to professional, civic, religious, or special interest groups, as well as working extensively with the 4-H program. Wilkinson also trained extension country home economics agents, who would then use her advice in their own presentations to homemakers' clubs.

In 1950 and 1960 Wilkinson served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Children, and in 1961 to the White House Conference on Aging. In 1961 the Wisconsin Extension Workers Association recognized Wilkinson as an "outstanding specialist." In her career as an Extension Specialist and a professor of Home Management and Family Living, she demonstrated a keen ability to understand human development and relationships, and to use that understanding to help Wisconsin families.