John Crosby (educator)
| Dr. John O. Crosby | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 1st President of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University | |
|
In office 1892–1896 | |
| Preceded by | Position Created |
| Succeeded by | James B. Dudley |
| Personal details | |
| Alma mater | Shaw University |
| Profession | Educator |
Dr. John Oliver Crosby was an African American educator and the 1st President of what is now North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Early life and education
John O. Crosby was a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. He received his education at Shaw University, where he earned a degree in theology.[1]
Career
Crosby's career in education and instruction began when he served as moderator of the Rowan Baptist Association and principal of the State Normal School in Salisbury, North Carolina.[1] On May 25, 1892, Crosby was elected as the first president of the "Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race."[2] Under Crosby's leadership, the college established itself in its new location. The college's first administration building, which was destroyed by fire in 1930, was designed by Crosby.
In addition to the administration building, Crosby planned the construction of the North Dormitory in 1894 and Crosby Hall which at the time was known as the “finest structure of its kind throughout the southern states.”[1] During the Crosby administration, A&T College admitted both male and female students. This would last until 1901 when the Board of Trustees voted to restrict admission to just males. Crosby would also be instrumental in the creation of the college's agricultural and mechanical arts departments.[1]
In 1896, amid internal as well as external criticisms, Dr. Crosby terminated his office as president and returned to Salisbury, NC where he resumed his position as principal of the L. C. State Normal School.[1]
Legacy
Crosby Hall on the campus of North Carolina A&T bears Dr. Crosby's name. The second building on the campus named for him was constructed in 1970. The original Crosby Hall, constructed in 1895, was also known as the Mechanical Building. The modern Crosby Hall houses the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Institute for Advanced Journalism Studies and the television studio.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Presidents & Chancellors". F.D. Bluford Library at NC A&T State University. NC A&T State University. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
- ↑ "A&T History". Library.ncat.edu. F.D. Bluford Library-NC A&T State University. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
- 1 2 "Crosby Hall". F.D. Bluford Library Archives. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
| Academic offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by (none) |
President of the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University 1892-1896 |
Succeeded by James B. Dudley |
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