Simon Green Atkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Simon Green Atkins
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| Born | June 11, 1863 |
| Died | June 28, 1934 |
| Nationality | African American |
| Education | St. Augustine's Normal Collegiate Institute (now St. Augustine's College) (attended 1880-1884) |
| Occupation | Grammar school department head. Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC (1884–1890); President of Slater Industrial Academy, 1892–1904 and 1913–1934 |
| Known for | Founded of the North Carolina Negro Teachers' Association, 1881; founded Winston Salem State University (previously Slater Industrial Academy), 1892 |
| Spouse(s) | Oleona Pegram Atkins (married 1889-death) |
| Children | Jasper, Francis, Olie, Clarence, Russell, Miriam, Harvey, Eliza, Leland |
Simon Green Atkins (1863–1934) was an important educator from North Carolina. He started Winston-Salem State University (which was first called the Slater Industrial Academy). He also created the North Carolina Negro Teachers' Association in 1881.
Simon Atkins worked hard to make education better for African Americans. He was a great teacher and helped provide more equal learning chances. Besides teaching, he also helped improve health, homes, and money situations for African American communities.
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Simon Atkins' Early Life
Simon Green Atkins was born in 1863. His parents were formerly enslaved people. He was born into slavery on a farm in North Carolina.
After many years of public school, Atkins went to St. Augustine's Normal and Collegiate Institute in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1880. There, he met Anna Julia Cooper. She was a very smart student who helped and inspired him. With her help, Atkins started teaching at a rural public school when he was just 17.
Simon Atkins' Education Journey
Atkins started his education in Haywood, NC. He quickly became the best student in his class. After teaching for a while, he went to St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC, starting in 1880.
Simon Atkins' Career and Achievements
Atkins began his career as a teacher in 1880. This was at a small school in North Carolina. After he finished college, he got a teaching job in his hometown. His hard work was noticed by Dr. J. C. Price.
In 1884, Dr. Price brought Atkins to Livingstone College in Salisbury. He offered Atkins the job of head of the grammar school. Atkins led the grammar department for six years. For the last two years, he also worked as the college's treasurer.
While he was the principal at Depot Street Public School in Winston-Salem, NC, Atkins started working to improve life for African Americans. This school was the biggest public grammar school for African Americans in North Carolina.
In 1892, Atkins and his wife, Oleona, were the first people to settle in the Columbian Heights neighborhood. Atkins wanted to build a community there. It would be a place of "mutual understanding, respect, and regard of one race for the other." This new area was perfect for a new school.
In 1892, in Columbian Heights, Atkins started the Slater Industrial Academy. Today, this school is known as Winston-Salem State University. He was the president of this school for over 30 years. He served from 1892 to 1904 and again from 1913 to 1934.
Simon Atkins' Lasting Legacy
Simon Green Atkins left a big mark on education.
In 2011, Winston-Salem State University created the Simon Green Atkins Society. This group honors people who give a lot of money (over $1,000) to the university. This money helps the university with its most important needs.
The university also started the Simon Green Atkins Scholars Society. This is a program for college students. It includes special classes and activities. It also offers chances for students to learn outside the classroom. The program aims to give students "personal attention, top faculty, enlightening seminars, illuminating study-abroad experiences, numerous research opportunities, and career-building internships." This helps students have a better education and get ready for their future.
A house that Atkins built in Winston-Salem in 1893 is now famous. It is called the S. G. Atkins House. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
A magnet high school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is also named after him. It is called Simon G. Atkins Academic & Technology High School.
