HJR232 Summary

• House Joint Resolution mourning the death of Dr. Virginia Caples of Huntsville, Alabama, who died on February 19, 2018, at age 72.

• Dr. Caples earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education from Alcorn State University and Master of Arts and Doctorate degrees from Iowa State University.

• She served 40 years at Alabama A&M University in leadership positions including Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Distinguished University Professor, and was the first female interim President in 1995.

• Her honors included the Rosa Parks Women of Courage Award, Mentor of the Year Award from the 100 Black Men of America, and the Martin Luther King Unity Award; Alabama A&M established the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute in her honor.

• She was survived by her husband of 34 years, Hundley Batts, Sr., and numerous family members including a brother, nieces, nephews, and stepchildren.