6 collections related to African American college students -- North Carolina

The records of John Tyler Caldwell’s administration in the Office of the Chancellor at North Carolina State College (later, University) include correspondence, newspaper clippings, reports, minutes, and other administrative papers. Topics include capital improvements, the building of Carter (later Carter-Finley) Stadium, the name change from State College to North Carolina State University, the status of African Americans and women on campus, and student unrest regarding the Vietnam War. Materials range in date from 1959 to 1975. After serving as President of the University of Arkansas from 1952-1959, John Tyler Caldwell accepted the chancellorship at North Carolina State College (later, North Carolina State University) and remained chancellor from 1959 to 1975. After retiring, Caldwell taught political science and education courses at North Carolina State University until 1985, and was president of the Triangle Universities Center for Advanced Research (1975-1982). Under his leadership, the student and faculty population nearly doubled, the School of Physical Sciences and Applied Mathematics was established, and for the first time the university offered a full range of degree programs in the humanities and social sciences. Less

The North Carolina State University, Office of the Provost, African American Cultural Center Records contain agendas, flyers, and other materials pertaining to the African American Heritage Society's annual meetings and events. These events include Heritage Day, the Pan-Afrikan Festival, and the Heritage Symposium. This collection also contains Advisory Committee minutes, correspondence, agendas, and publicity related to the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Festival. There are general records as well, which contain materials related to the building of the Cultural Center Annex, now the Witherspoon Student Center, and the African American Cultural Center's involvement in the planning. Materials range in date from 1984 to 2022. The African American Cultural Center promotes awareness of and appreciation for African American and other African descent experiences through activities and events that enhance academic excellence and strengthen cultural competence for the campus and surrounding communities. As a unit of the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, the African American Cultural Center is an indispensable component of NC State University’s mission of “building a diverse and inclusive campus community, fostering demographic and intellectual diversity, fostering internal and external partnerships and adopting an operational model that embraces efficiency and accountability.” The Center also operates the African American Cultural Library and Cultural Art Gallery. Less

The Office for Equal Opportunity and Equity Records contain correspondence, memoranda, meeting minutes, reports, publications, and other material related to the administrative functions of the Affirmative Action Office (later the Office for Equal Opportunity and Equity). The bulk of the material involves efforts by North Carolina State University to comply with federal statutory and regulatory requirements prohibiting discrimination. Also included are records of the Disability Services Office, which became part of the Office for Equal Opportunity in 1999. Most of the Disability Services material, comprising student records, is restricted, and will be deaccessioned according the disposition instructions for GU 323 (Services to Students with Disabilities) of the University of North Carolina (System) General Records Retention and Disposition Schedule. The Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Office oversaw all university activities related to compliance with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, gender, and disability. In July of 2011, the office of Equal Opportunity, Equity, and Compliance became a unit under the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity. As of 2020, Equal Opportunity and Equity provides training, resources and assistance to address and end discrimination and harassment at NC State. Areas of focus include accommodations and accessibility, discrimination and harassment, Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action, pregnancy, and Title IX. Less

This collection is comprised of correspondence, surveys, and reports related to discrimination and African American issues. It also includes information on the African American Cultural Center. This office of African American Affairs worked in cooperation with the Affirmative Action Office. In 1990 North Carolina State University created a position of Coordinator of African American Affairs within the Office of the Provost. Dr. Augustus M. Witherspoon became the first to fill the position. Drs. William C. Grant, Rupert W. Nacoste, and Jose A. Picart have followed in his footsteps. By 2000 the position had become the Vice Provost for Diversity and African American Affairs. The Vice Provost for Diversity and African American Affairs had the primary responsibility of forging a shared vision concerning the recruitment, retention, and graduation of a diverse student body. Less

North Carolina State University, Student and Other Organizations, Mu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Records contain correspondence, campus organization information, a membership list, and an award for the Delta Sigma Theta Distinguished Professor Chair. The records also include the official website of the Mu Omicron Chapter, beginning in 2020 and captured quarterly. The paper records date from 1975 to 1979. The first chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority was founded at Howard University in 1913 with a mission to develop its members constructively through public service with a primary focus on the black community (https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/mission-purpose, accessed 9/23/2020). Areas of focus include economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. The Mu Omicron Chapter at NC State was founded on October 25, 1975. It was the first African American sorority to be chartered on campus (https://orgs.ncsu.edu/muomicrondst/our-monumental-chapter/charter-history/, accessed 09/23/2020). Through programs and community service, Mu Omicron has upheld the values of sisterhood established by the original charter members. Less