The late U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wasn’t just an advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. She believed in equality for all, especially underrepresented and underserved members of society. Perhaps that’s why Bader Ginsburg was a hero to Wilmington University alumna Kristen A. King-Dennis. Both were proponents of reading advocacy. Both were fiercely independent yet devoted to their families. And both believed that every child deserved to succeed.
Kristen, who wanted to be a teacher all her life, started her professional career in the spring of 2005 after earning an Associate in Applied Science in Early Care and Education from Delaware Technical Community College, graduating cum laude. She became a preschool teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Newark after the birth of her second child, then opened an in-home daycare while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Early Education (K–6) from Wilmington University, which she earned in 2010. She was also certified as a Teacher of Elementary (K–6), a Teacher of Exceptional Children (K–12), and a Teacher of Reading.
The mother of two young children, Justin Jr. and Taylor, Kristen then served the Christina School District, where she taught and advocated for children with special needs.
Her parents, William King Sr. and Barbara King, her sisters Lauren Warner and Brittany Mead, and brother Bill King Jr. — not to mention nieces, nephews and many friends —watched in awe as Kristen juggled motherhood, college coursework and teaching. Kristen was the rock; the go-to for advice, the one who “hated to be the center of attention,” says her sister, Brittany Mead. “She was my mentor. She always did things for others but took care of herself, too. She was all about strength, and I saw her as a role model for women.”
In 2018, Kristen was diagnosed with HER2-Positive breast cancer. “But she beat it,” Mead says. When it came back, she knew it was worse, but she was intent on pursuing her master’s at Wilmington University. Despite the severity of the disease, Kristen earned her Master of Education with a concentration in Special Education while working full-time, receiving multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and undergoing numerous surgical procedures.
By July of 2022, she had met the requirements for the degree when the cancer metastasized to her liver. Her health was failing rapidly. And since her liver could not adequately remove toxins from her blood, the buildup of those toxins had led to brain damage.
A tight-knit family. Front row: Bill King Jr., Kristen, Lauren Warner, Brittany Mead; Back row: Bill King Sr. and Barbara King.
Her close-knit family came to the painful realization that Kristen would likely not cross the stage at commencement the following January. So, on July 26, 2022, dressed in full academic regalia, Wilmington University President Dr. Laverne Harmon and colleagues visited Kristen at home to confer the Master of Education degree. There, surrounded by her family, Kristen accepted her degree.
Dr. Harmon then awarded Kristen’s children, Justin Jr. and Taylor, now 19 and 16 respectively, two full undergraduate scholarships to WilmU.
“Kristen couldn’t cry because she couldn’t produce tears,” Mead says. “But she was aware of her surroundings, and I know her heart was happy.”
After the conferral, Kristen was able to thank Dr. Harmon. “She also said, ‘I tried,’” Dr. Harmon says. “I feel fortunate to have met Kristen and to witness her humility and strength. I know how much she believed in education, and I hope we brought her peace in some small way, knowing that we will welcome Justin Jr. and Taylor when they’re ready.”
Kristen died on July 30, 2022, four days after receiving her diploma. She had just turned 40.
At the family’s request, WilmU employees delivered a cap and gown to be displayed at Kristen’s funeral. More than 500 people attended the services. “It was a testament to how many people loved her,” Mead says. “She never crumbled. She never complained. And for so long, she was an inspiration to anyone going through cancer. She fought with every fiber of her being and maintained her dignity.”
And while it’s easier said than done, Mead says, “she wouldn’t want us to be sad. Even when things took a turn for the worse, Kristen didn’t want to be a burden.”
“Kristen believed that no matter what, no one could ever take your education away from you.” — Brittany Mead
She would be happy to know that Justin Jr. and Taylor look forward to college. “But she would also want them to understand that most people don’t get this kind of opportunity, to realize how fortunate they are, and to remain humble,” says Mead. “WilmU has set up our next generation for success. It’s a huge game changer, and we could not be more grateful.”
“We are the grateful ones,” says Dr. Harmon. “It was an honor to be welcomed so warmly by Kristen’s family and to meet her parents, children and siblings. We will never forget Kristen or her family.”
She always said that success was the best revenge, Mead says. “Kristen believed that no matter what, no one could ever take your education away from you. That’s why I know how much these scholarships meant to her.”
Like her role model, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Kristen was an inspiration to others. One of Bader Ginsburg’s most famous calls to action was: “Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.”
The Supreme Court Justice and the master’s-level teacher had much in common. Neither wanted special treatment, despite their hardships. And both left the world a little better.
—Maria Hess