Lincoln University Celebrates Sherry Branch-Maxwell with Inspiring Building Dedication Ceremony

CHARLESTON — For 35 years, Sherry L. Branch-Maxwell, often called Ms. Sherry, has been a driving force in the Bootheel community through her work with the Lincoln University Cooperative Extension. On August 20, she received a remarkable honor: the Charleston campus was renamed the Sherry L. Branch-Maxwell Center in front of a large crowd, including Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe.

“Lincoln University is a diamond in the rough,” Kehoe remarked, noting how Branch-Maxwell embodies that spirit.

Starting with just seven students in a local church, Branch-Maxwell has helped grow Lincoln University into a vital resource in the Bootheel, reaching thousands of children in Charleston, Sikeston, and Caruthersville. “I’m standing on the shoulders of giants,” she said, reflecting on her journey and the influence of her grandparents. “They are putting my name on prime real estate.” This recognition holds deeper significance in a world where such honors are often reserved for others.

In 2022, Branch-Maxwell was recognized by then-Lt. Gov. Kehoe as one of the inaugural recipients of the Women of Achievement Award. This award celebrates women who excel in entrepreneurship, community service, and leadership in non-profit sectors.

Branch-Maxwell’s ambition drove her to seek new opportunities for her programs. When she realized her gardening and food initiatives had outgrown their church space, she approached the New Madrid County Central School District Superintendent, then-Dr. Mike Barnes, for a larger facility. Her vision of a commercial kitchen paved the way for more extensive programs that would benefit the community.

This commitment to community empowerment isn’t just a local story; it’s part of a larger trend. According to a 2021 report by the USDA, over 30% of families in rural America depend on community programs for support, highlighting the essential role of local leaders like Branch-Maxwell. They not only provide valuable resources but also inspire hope and growth in their regions.

In today’s world, the legacy of leaders like Sherry L. Branch-Maxwell is crucial. They remind us that community leadership can transform lives and build brighter futures for everyone involved.

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