The Starr Women’s Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing extraordinary Kansas City women, preserving the history of their accomplishments and inspiring women everywhere. Dr. Linda Hood Talbott is one of the outstanding women being honored in the 2019 class of inductees.
Talbott (B.A. ’62, M.A. ’64, Ph.D. ’73) exhibits all the traits of an extraordinary Kansas City woman. Philanthropist, researcher and educator, Talbott’s work has impacted many lives, particularly providing avenues for women in education, support and advancement.
“Dr. Talbott has been recognized by three U.S. presidents for her leadership in helping the elderly, youth and women of America. She has changed the philanthropic landscape of Kansas City,” says Elizabeth Danforth, director of public affairs, Kansas City Power & Light.
Talbott earned three degrees from UMKC and in 1973, served as director of development and communications for then-UMKC Chancellor James Olson. In her capacity, Linda helped develop the private-public funding partnership for the UMKC Performing Arts Center.
“She consistently demonstrates through her actions that compassion, devotion and integrity do make a difference and she has devoted her life to the betterment of society.”
When she was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of Kansas City Power & Light in the early 1980s, she became the first woman from Kansas City to sit on the board of a Fortune 1000 company. Talbott is a founding member of many organizations including the Greater Kansas City Foundation, Women’s Employment Network, Central Exchange and Women’s Foundation.
With her late husband Thomas H. Talbot, she established the UMKC Honors College Scholarship, the Talbott Scholarship and Leadership Award for outstanding student leaders in the College of Arts and Sciences; the Talbott Scholarship for Performing Arts Excellence; the Talbott Honors Scholarship for Leadership Development; the Linda Hood Talbott Scholarship for Urban Education Excellence; and the Linda Hood Talbott Award for Excellence through the UMKC Women’s Council.
In 2015, Talbott announced her commitment to leave $1 million of her estate to the new Honors College.
“Talbott is a model alumna whose impassioned dedication and commitment to her alma mater and this community is truly remarkable,” says Leo Morton, former UMKC chancellor and chief operating officer, DeBruce Companies.“Through her example and countless forms of leadership, she has inspired fellow alumni and communities alike to give, act and engage. She consistently demonstrates through her actions that compassion, devotion and integrity do make a difference and she has devoted her life to the betterment of society. She continually demonstrates through her work to elevating those who ‘should,’ those who ‘can’ and those who ‘will.’ She is a treasure and inspiration.”
About the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame
The Starr Women’s Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing extraordinary Kansas City women and preserving the history of their accomplishments. These women are social reformers, volunteers, philanthropists, civic leaders, activists and educators. They are neighborhood leaders and grassroots organizers, from yesterday and today, both famous and unsung. They are movers and shakers whose tireless commitment to community has made Kansas City a better place to live.
The Hall of Fame honors their legacies by sharing their stories to encourage and inspire women everywhere. A permanent display honoring these women is open to the public on the third floor of the Miller Nichols Library at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
The Hall of Fame is named in honor of Martha Jane Phillips Starr, a legendary activist and philanthropist who blazed a trail for family issues and women’s rights. The Hall of Fame is made possible through the Starr Education Committee, Martha Jane Starr’s family and the Starr Field of Interest Fund through the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.