Introduction
Welcome to North Carolina Central University, a historically Black college located in Durham, North Carolina. Established in 1910, North Carolina Central University has a long and proud tradition of providing higher education to students from all walks of life. From its humble beginnings as a two-year teacher’s college, North Carolina Central University has grown into a comprehensive university with a wide range of degree programs and a diverse student body. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the fun facts about North Carolina Central University that you may not know. Read on to learn more about this unique and fascinating institution.
History of North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University was founded in 1910 as the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua. It was the first state-supported liberal arts college for African Americans in the United States. The school was founded by Dr. James E. Shepard, a former slave and a prominent African-American leader in North Carolina. The school was renamed North Carolina College for Negroes in 1925 and was later re-named North Carolina Central University in 1969.
Today, North Carolina Central University is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of degree programs in the arts, sciences, and professional fields. The university has an enrollment of over 8,000 students and offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Unique Architecture
One of the most unique features of North Carolina Central University is its architecture. The university campus is home to a variety of buildings in a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Neoclassical. The most iconic building on campus is the Shepard Building, which was built in 1915. The building was designed by African-American architect H.T. Edwards and is a registered Historic Landmark.
Notable Alumni
North Carolina Central University has produced a number of notable alumni, including civil rights leaders, politicians, athletes, and entertainers. Notable alumni include civil rights leader and NAACP founder W.E.B. Du Bois, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, former NFL player Julius Peppers, and actor and comedian Chris Tucker.
Athletic Programs
North Carolina Central University is a member of the NCAA Division I and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The university fields teams in basketball, football, baseball, softball, track and field, and cross country. The university’s football team, the Eagles, has won three MEAC championships since joining the conference in 2007.
Student Activities
North Carolina Central University offers a wide range of student activities and organizations for students to get involved in. These include honor societies, student government, religious organizations, and social and cultural clubs. The university also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the annual Step Show, which is a competition between fraternities and sororities that includes stepping and other forms of dance.
Community Engagement
North Carolina Central University is committed to engaging with the local community in Durham. The university partners with local businesses, organizations, and schools to provide educational and cultural opportunities for the community. The university also hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, such as the Durham Arts Council’s free summer movie series.
Conclusion
North Carolina Central University is a unique and fascinating institution with a rich history and a vibrant student life. From its unique architecture to its notable alumni and athletic programs, North Carolina Central University has a lot to offer its students and the local community. We hope this blog post has given you a glimpse into the many fun facts about North Carolina Central University.”