John Crosby (educator)

Dr. John O. Crosby
1st President of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
In office 1892–1896
Preceded by	Position Created
Succeeded by	James B. Dudley
Personal details
Alma mater	Shaw University
Profession	Educator

Dr. John Oliver Crosby was an African American educator and the 1st President of what is now North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Early life and education

John O. Crosby was a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. He received his education at Shaw University, where he earned a degree in theology.^[1]

Career

Crosby's career in education and instruction began when he served as moderator of the Rowan Baptist Association and principal of the State Normal School in Salisbury, North Carolina.^[1] On May 25, 1892, Crosby was elected as the first president of the "Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race."^[2] Under Crosby's leadership, the college established itself in its new location. The college's first administration building, which was destroyed by fire in 1930, was designed by Crosby.

In addition to the administration building, Crosby planned the construction of the North Dormitory in 1894 and Crosby Hall which at the time was known as the “finest structure of its kind throughout the southern states.”^[1] During the Crosby administration, A&T College admitted both male and female students. This would last until 1901 when the Board of Trustees voted to restrict admission to just males. Crosby would also be instrumental in the creation of the college's agricultural and mechanical arts departments.^[1]

In 1896, amid internal as well as external criticisms, Dr. Crosby terminated his office as president and returned to Salisbury, NC where he resumed his position as principal of the L. C. State Normal School.^[1]

Legacy

The original Crosby Hall, also known as the Mechanical Building, was designed by and named for Dr. John O. Crosby. The building completed in 1895.^[3]

Crosby Hall on the campus of North Carolina A&T bears Dr. Crosby's name. The second building on the campus named for him was constructed in 1970. The original Crosby Hall, constructed in 1895, was also known as the Mechanical Building. The modern Crosby Hall houses the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Institute for Advanced Journalism Studies and the television studio.^[3]

References