Despite the hardships, Looney received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Memphis before obtaining a master’s degree in English with a concentration in English as a Second Language in 2006. Her impressive teaching career spans more than 45 years, multiple states and includes time teaching in the Czech Republic. Looney also taught locally in Memphis City Schools and at Southwest Tennessee Community College.
For her continued impact on the past and present of the University of Memphis, the Center for Research on Women honored Looney as one of the 100 most influential women in their 100-year history. Other awards include the Memphis Theological Seminary Henry Logan Starks’ Legacy Award, New Sardis Baptist Church Memphis Living Legends Award, Southwest Tennessee Community College Diversity Club Sharing the Love Award in 2019 and the City of Memphis and Church of God in Christ bestowed the “Be the Dream” Legacy award to Looney in 2017.
In addition to her personal accolades, the University of Memphis presented the Memphis State Eight with the Arthur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award for their bravery.
She continues to advocate for civil rights and is a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Better Love Yourself organization.
She is also a dedicated member of the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. Her publications include “Our Heritage Has Seeded our Future,” and a book of poems, “Homecoming Portraits.” Her upcoming memoir, “Dare to be First: The Memphis State Eight” is anticipated for release in the summer of 2025.
Looney credits her family and community with teaching her the importance of pursuing an education to achieve her dreams. She said it was all worth it to now see African Americans in many different positions across campus, something that would have been nearly impossible had she not forged the path ahead.
Bertha Rogers Looney is the 2025 Distinguished Alumna Award Winner.
The University of Memphis Distinguished Alumni Awards honor esteemed graduates and friends in the categories of Distinguished Alum, Distinguished Young Alum, Cornerstone Award and the UofM Illustrious Service Award. This event is hosted by the UofM Alumni Association and the National Alumni Association Executive Board of Directors. Learn more at alumni.memphis.edu/daa.
