After graduating from Duke Divinity School in 1937, the Rev. W. Kenneth Goodson served as a Methodist pastor for more than 25 years. He was elected a Bishop in 1964 and served until his retirement in 1980. He then served as Bishop-in-Residence at Duke Divinity School, where he counseled, preached and taught. Bishop Goodson was a leader in racial reconciliation during the Civil Rights era and was credited with merging the segregated Methodist conferences in Alabama. He met with Alabama Governor George Wallace and asked him to show restraint against protestors. Bishop Goodson was loved by many for his spiritual counsel, loyal friendship, and quick wit. He was elected a Trustee of The Duke Endowment in 1978 and served until his death in 1991.