James A. Colston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr. James A. Colston
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| President of Georgia State College |
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| In office 1947–1949 |
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| Preceded by | Benjamin F. Hubert |
| Succeeded by | William K. Payne |
| Personal details | |
| Alma mater | Morehouse College, New York University |
| Profession | College President |
James A. Colston (1910–1982) was an important leader in education. He started as a high school principal. Later, he became the president of several colleges across the United States.
Dr. Colston led Bethune-Cookman University from 1942 to 1946. He then served at Georgia State College (now Savannah State University) from 1947 to 1951. After that, he was president of Knoxville College from 1951 to 1965. In 1966, he made history. He became the first African American to be president of a college in New York State. He was also one of the first to lead a college where most students were white. This happened when he became president of Bronx Community College.
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Dr. Colston's Education Journey
James A. Colston worked hard to get his education. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science in education, from Morehouse College in 1932. He continued his studies and received his Master of Arts in education from Atlanta University in 1933. Later, he achieved his highest degree, a Ph.D., from New York University.
Dr. Colston's Career in Education
Before becoming a college president, Dr. Colston was a high school principal. He led Ballard Normal School in Macon, Georgia. He served there from 1938 to 1942.
Leading Colleges as President
In 1942, Dr. Colston took on a big role. He became the second president of Bethune-Cookman University. He followed the school's founder, Mary McLeod Bethune. While at Bethune-Cookman, Dr. Colston started the School of Education. This school became officially recognized in 1945.
Dr. Colston then became president of Georgia State College. He served from 1947 to 1949. He took over from Benjamin F. Hubert. During his time, Savannah State College received an important recognition. It became accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). This means the school met high standards for education.
During his leadership, the college campus was updated. They built the first student center. They also installed the first telephone system across the campus. Dr. Colston also created the school's first Office of Public Relations. He also started the Campus Chest Program. He resigned from this role in 1949.
From 1951 to 1965, Dr. Colston was president of Knoxville College in Tennessee. The school grew a lot during his time there. After that, he led Bronx Community College from 1966 to 1976. The number of students at Bronx Community College grew from 7,000 to 13,800. The college also became very successful financially and academically. Dr. Colston also oversaw the move of Bronx Community College to its new campus by 1973.
Dr. Colston's Lasting Impact
Dr. James A. Colston's work in education is still remembered. A building on the university's campus is named in his honor. It is called the James A. Colston Administration Building.
