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“As women, we were doing our part to serve our country. I’m very honored to have been part of that.”

Bea Shaheen McPherson, ’43, began her studies at Kent State University in 1940 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and minor in geography in 1943. Having spent the last 80 years committed to service, education and preservation, she embodies what it means to be a distinguished Kent State alumna.

Her extraordinary contributions began during World War II. Despite familial obligations precluding her from military service, Bea’s resolve to support the war effort led her to enroll in a rigorous 60-hour military mapmaking course at Kent State under the guidance of Edna Eisen, professor of geography. This course, crucial for addressing the shortage of skilled cartographers, equipped Bea with the skills necessary to contribute significantly to the Army Map Service in Washington, D.C.

“If I couldn’t join the military, I decided I was going to help the war effort as a civilian,” Bea said. As part of the Military Mapping Maidens, she produced vital maps for critical military operations, including the Normandy invasion and Battle of the Bulge. Their work was essential for the successful planning and execution of these missions.

“As women, we were doing our part to serve our country. I’m very honored to have been part of that,” Bea said.

After the war, she began teaching elementary school and serving as a paralegal to her husband James “Bill” W. McPherson Jr. who also attended Kent State before enlisting in the Marine Corps during WWII. Bea continued to advocate for the recognition of women's contributions to cartography and organized reunions for the Military Mapping Maidens to preserve its legacy and camaraderie. In 2016, the group was inducted into the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Hall of Fame for their pioneering contributions to cartography and geospatial intelligence.

During her acceptance speech, she said, “Our country was at the forefront of our minds. We believed in our country, we protected our country, and we wanted to do our part, our very best—our patriotic duty.”

Her relationship with Kent State has remained a constant throughout her life. Bea has served on several leadership boards, including the Chestnut Society, Kent State University Foundation, Kent State University Museum, School of Fashion Design and Merchandising, and the President's Council. Her contributions have helped shape and support these programs, from collecting and donating materials to funding university scholarships and participating in events.

Bea’s role in the establishment and growth of the Kent State University Museum and School of Fashion is particularly noteworthy. She helped create these institutions alongside Jerry Silverman and Shannon Rogers, collecting materials related to their development, donating to the museum's collection and supporting exhibits such as "The 1980s: An Age of Excess."

“From the inception of the fashion school and the Kent State University Museum, Bea was an active volunteer and donor – supporting the school and museum with financial gifts, gifts-in-kind to enrich the museum’s collection and with hours of volunteer work,” said Jean Lawrence Druesedow, former director, Kent State University Museum. “I look forward to every opportunity to meet with Bea and learn from her stories.”

Beyond her professional and academic contributions, Bea has been a pillar of her community. She established the James W. McPherson Jr. Legal Studies and Business Management Scholarship at Uniontown Lake High School in honor of her husband. She served as president of the Stark County Lawyer’s Wives and chaired events such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame Style Show. She is also involved with charitable organizations, including the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church Ladies Auxiliary and Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging.

Bea’s remarkable achievements in cartography, her steadfast support for Kent State and her extensive community service reflect a life dedicated to excellence and service. Her legacy will continue to inspire and enrich both her profession and her alma mater.