Dinwiddie woman who laid groundwork for GPS tech dies at 95
VENN
DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Dr. Gladys Mae West, a Dinwiddie County woman who laid the groundwork for Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, has died at the age of 95, according to county officials.
In a social post the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 20, the county announced the passing of Dinwiddie native West, who helped lay the foundation for satellite geodesy systems, which are now incorporated into the GPS, a technology used worldwide every day.
West earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1952, her master’s degree in mathematics in 1955 and an honorary doctorate in 2021 from Virginia State University (VSU), per a statement from the university president, Makola M. Abdullah.
Abdullah said West became a "trailblazer in the field of mathematics" during a time when opportunities were often "closed off to Black people."
(Photo Courtesy of VSU)
"Dr. Gladys West’s life is a powerful reminder that talent, perseverance, and education can transcend circumstances and inspire generations," Dinwiddie officials wrote in the post. "Dinwiddie County is forever proud to call her one of our own."
(Photo Courtesy of Dinwiddie County)
(Photo Courtesy of Dinwiddie County)
West was inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame in 2018 -- one of the Air Force Space Command’s highest honors.
The Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors also presented West with a Resolution on March 19, 2019, recognizing her remarkable achievements and global impact, per the city.
West also won the award for Female Alumna of the Year at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Awards in 2018.
After finishing her degrees at VSU, West became one of the first African American women hired as a mathematician at what is now the Naval Surface Warfare Center, per the university.
"Dr. West will be remembered not only for her groundbreaking work in science and technology but also for the example she set for generations of students, especially those from historically underrepresented communities," Abdullah said. "Her life’s work stands as a powerful testament to the role HBCUs like Virginia State University play in nurturing innovators, leaders, and change-makers.
