Lyman Brooks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lyman Beecher Brooks
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| President of Norfolk State College | |
| In office 1969–1975 |
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| Succeeded by | Harrison B. Wilson, Jr. |
| Provost of Norfolk State College | |
| In office 1963–1969 |
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| Director of Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University | |
| In office 1938–1963 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel Fischer Scott |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 27, 1910 |
| Died | April 20, 1984 (aged 73) Norfolk Community Hospital Norfolk, Virginia |
| Spouse | Evelyn Brooks |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan Ph.D. M.Ed. Virginia Union University B.A. |
| Profession | Educator Principal Teacher |
Dr. Lyman Beecher Brooks was a very important educator who helped build Norfolk State University into the big school it is today. He was born on May 27, 1910, and passed away on April 20, 1984. He was the first president of the university, located in Norfolk, Virginia.
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Early Life of Lyman Brooks
Lyman Brooks was born on May 27, 1910. His father, John Robert Brooks, was a former slave and a veteran of the Union Navy. He worked as a farmer, a waterman, and a music teacher. Lyman's mother, Mary Anna Burrell, was a school teacher. She graduated from Hartshorne Memorial College, which is now Virginia Union University.
Lyman Brooks's Education
Lyman Brooks first earned his bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University. After working for many years as a teacher and a principal, he continued his studies. He went on to earn both his master's degree and his doctoral degree from the University of Michigan.
Building Norfolk State University
In 1938, Lyman Beecher Brooks became the Director of the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University. This school is now known as Norfolk State University. He worked there for 37 years, from 1938 to 1975. During this time, he served as director, provost, and finally, president.
Growth of the College
When Dr. Brooks started, the school was a small junior college. It had only three classrooms and five teachers. Under his leadership, the school grew a lot. It became a large campus with eighteen buildings. The staff and faculty grew to 375 people, and there were 6,300 students.
Key Milestones Under Dr. Brooks
Dr. Brooks's leadership helped the college reach many important goals.
- In 1942, the college changed its name to Norfolk Polytechnic College.
- Two years later, in 1944, the Virginia General Assembly voted to rename the school again. It became the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College. This meant it was now part of Virginia State College.
- In 1952, the college's sports teams got a new name: the "Spartans."
- In September 1955, the school moved to a new, larger campus. This campus was 55 acres and used to be a golf course.
- In 1958, the college awarded its first Bachelor's degree. This was a big step for the school.
- In 1969, Norfolk State College became independent from Virginia State College. It could now grant its own four-year degrees. It also got its own Board of Visitors and its own President.
Personal Life
Lyman Brooks was a dedicated member of his community. He was a trustee and Sunday school teacher at Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church in Norfolk. He was also a loyal member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Lyman Brooks's Legacy
Dr. Brooks's hard work and achievements were honored in several ways.
- In 1972, a new library was finished and named the Lyman Beecher Brooks Library. This was to celebrate his many contributions to the college.
- In 2012, an even newer library building was completed. This building was designed to be very energy-efficient (LEED silver certified). It was also dedicated in his honor, keeping his name alive at the university he helped build.
