Reatha Clark King
Reatha Clark King is an American chemist and businesswoman that previously held positions with prestigious companies such as General Mills, ExxonMobil, and Wells Fargo & Company.
Before immersing herself in the business world, Reatha was heavily involved in the world of higher education. After graduation, King served as a Research Chemist for the National Bureau of Standards, held various positions (Chemistry Professor and Associate Dean) at York College, City University of New York, and eventually became the President of Metropolitan State University.
As a businesswoman, Dr. King served as the President and Executive Director of the General Mills Foundation and as the Vice President of General Mills, Inc. from 1988 until 2002. She was also elected the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the General Mills Foundation in 2002.
In addition to her successes in the business world, Reatha is also a Life Trustee for the University of Chicago and is the recipient of numerous awards, including 14 honorary doctorates.
Profile
- College/University Attended
- Clark College
- Original Major
- Home Economics
- Major Changes
- Switched to Chemistry
Quote
“Becoming either a hairdresser, teacher or nurse represented the reality of a better job for young Black women. Women in these jobs were our main role models both in person and in our books. So career counseling to women to be scientists just did not happen.”
