Key verified details at a glance
Donda West is the mother of recording artist and public figure Kanye West. Below is a concise, source-based overview of her professional background, age at death, and verifiable milestones.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Donda Ann Williams (later Donda West) | Public records, biographical references |
| Date of birth | July 12, 1949 | Reliable biographical sources |
| Date of death | November 10, 2007 | News reports, obituaries |
| Age at death | 58 years old | Calculated from birth and death dates |
| Occupation | Chair of the English Department, Oklahoma City University | University statements, news coverage |
| Cause of death | Postsurgical complications following cosmetic surgery | Coroner’s report, medical examiner |
Donda West: an evergreen profile
Donda West (July 12, 1949 – November 10, 2007) was an American educator and academic administrator best known as the mother of Kanye West. She served as Chair of the English Department at Oklahoma City University and remained active in education throughout her life. Her public profile is closely tied to her family, yet her professional contributions in literature and administration are distinct and verifiable. This profile focuses on factual, evergreen details relevant to understanding her background and legacy.
Formative years and educational path
Born Donda Ann Williams on July 12, 1949, she grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Oklahoma City University and later pursued advanced studies, culminating in a doctorate. Her academic focus supported a career centered on literature and composition, leading to years of classroom instruction and administrative leadership.
Academic leadership and professional roles
For more than two decades, Donda West served as Chair of the English Department at Oklahoma City University. In this role, she oversaw curriculum development, faculty coordination, and student advisement. She was recognized for mentoring student publications and strengthening undergraduate programs in English. Her administrative work reflected consistent engagement with public higher education in Oklahoma.
- Led the English Department as its principal administrative officer.
- Developed course sequences and faculty schedules.
- Supported student writing and literary initiatives.
Age and circumstances of passing
Donda West was 58 years old at the time of her death on November 10, 2007. She died from complications after undergoing cosmetic surgery in a surgical center. The Oklahoma County Medical Examiner’s office documented postsurgical complications as the cause. Because her passing occurred in a medical context, discussions of her age are often framed alongside surgical safety and celebrity health disclosures.
Public context and family relationship
While widely known as the mother of Kanye West, Donda maintained her own professional identity. Public interest in her age and health was often amplified due to her son’s prominence, yet her career in higher education remained her central documented achievement. Reliable sources distinguish her academic record from speculative or nonverified commentary.
Legacy and verifiable references
Donda West’s legacy in the public sphere is tied primarily to her role in education and her familial relationship to a globally recognized musician. University statements, obituaries, and public records confirm her positions and dates. Moving forward, her tenure as department chair and her contributions to Oklahoma City University’s English program endure as the most concrete elements of her professional life.