James B. Dudley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr.
James Benson Dudley
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| Born |
James Benson Dudley
November 2, 1859 Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina
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| Died | April 4, 1925 (aged 65) Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Professor |
| Known for | President of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University 1896-1925 |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Wright Samson (1882-death) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Parent(s) | John Bishop and Annie Hatch Dudley |
James Benson Dudley (born November 2, 1859 – died April 4, 1925) was an important leader in education. He served as the President of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for many years, from 1896 until he passed away in 1925. A high school in Greensboro, North Carolina, called James B. Dudley High School, was named after him. This was to honor his hard work and dedication to his community.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
James Benson Dudley was born on November 2, 1859. He was born into slavery. His parents were owned by Edward B. Dudley, who was the Governor of North Carolina from 1836 to 1841. The governor believed that everyone should have an education. This idea greatly influenced James Dudley throughout his entire life.
Dudley's Journey to Education
After the American Civil War, many schools closed because there wasn't enough money. James Dudley could not go to school until 1867, when he was eight years old. A private school opened, and he was one of the first students to join. Later, he attended public schools when they became available. There, he learned Latin.
After public school, Dudley went to the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For college, he attended Shaw College in Raleigh, North Carolina. He focused on becoming a teacher. In 1880, at age 21, Dudley passed the state test to become a teacher. He later studied at Harvard summer school. He also earned a Master of Arts degree from Livingstone College and a doctorate degree from Wilberforce University.
Working as an Educator
Leading Peabody Graded School
James Dudley started his career as a teacher in Sampson County. The next year, in 1881, he became the principal of Peabody Graded School in Wilmington, North Carolina. This school was known as one of the best public schools for African Americans in the area. He taught in Wilmington for 15 years. He also led the State Teachers' Association For Negroes for six years.
Other Important Work
Dudley also worked as an editor and publisher for the Wilmington Chronicle newspaper for 15 years. He was also a register of deeds in Wilmington for a time. He helped create the Perpetual Building and Loan Association.
For 20 years, he was a foreign correspondent for the Grand Lodge of Masons. He also represented the Republican Party at several meetings. In 1896, he attended the Republican National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri.
Dudley was an important person in the Republican Party. He also had connections with the Farmer's Alliance. In 1891, he helped pass a bill that created The Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race. This college was later renamed North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
In 1912, Dudley worked with Professor J.H. Bluford. Professor Bluford was the director of the college's Agricultural Division. Together, they started the Farmers' Union and Co-operative Society. This group helped local unions in each county. The society aimed to improve the lives of African American farmers in North Carolina. It helped them buy and sell products. It also helped control how farm products were made and sold. The goal was to get fair prices for their goods.
Leading the College
In 1895, the North Carolina Legislature chose Dudley to be on the Board of Trustees for the College. He became the secretary of the Board that same year. In 1896, the college president, John O. Crosby, resigned. At the next meeting, all the Board members voted for Dudley to become the second President of the College.
As President, Dudley wanted to make the college's lessons more useful. He believed that what students learned should help them get jobs that were available. He wanted to help students get good jobs and "raise the standard of living among their people." He added many new classes. These included carpentry, bricklaying, blacksmithing, and electrical engineering. He also added classes like animal care, gardening, and tailoring.
Dudley also created a whole new teaching department. This department taught students how to become teachers. It also focused on good manners and appreciating culture. Dudley himself was known for his politeness. He also started a summer school program at the college.
Changes at the College
Between 1915 and 1916, the school changed its name to "Agricultural and Technical College." The college was facing money problems. Dudley decided to make big changes to fix these issues. The college did not have enough money because not enough students were attending. Many people wanted a "professional or classical education." They wanted their children to become preachers, lawyers, or doctors.
To solve this, Dudley started offering courses that fit the students' needs and abilities. Another problem was that some people did not like that both men and women were taught together. So, when the school reopened, it became an all-male school.
Dudley's Passing
James Dudley continued to lead the college until his death. In early April 1925, he left the college because of severe headaches. He went home to rest. For a few days, he was able to work from home. However, he passed away on April 4, 1925, at the age of 65. Dudley was buried in Pine Forest cemetery in Wilmington, his hometown.
