Bowman prepares a historical account of the university
Kesha Williams
February 06, 2013
As the 125th anniversary of the university approaches (2016), Dr. Glen Bowman, professor of History, is working toward the completion of a new book to chronicle the developments of our university. This valuable resource will relay the university’s contributions to public education.
"My goal is to write not only a general history of the institution, but also some special profiles of some important alumni, faculty members, staff members, and supporters. There will be brief profiles interspersed throughout the book. These "Profiles in Viking Pride", I hope, will inspire young people and will touch the hearts of those who love ECSU."
"Research for the book will come not only from the ECSU Archives, but from outside archives-the State Archives, Archives at North Carolina Central, as well as archives outside of the state," Bowman said.
Readers can expect to see over 300 pictures in the book. The publication which will be dedicated to the memory of two central faculty members—Evelyn A. Johnson, a music professor, chairperson of the Music Department, professor emerita and Leonard Ballou, a former music faculty member and later university archivist– both of whom spent years of their lives in service to ECSU in the study of the history of this institution. The book focuses on the challenges the institution faced and how the people of the institution found ways to overcome them, to make progress in a changing state, nation, and world. Throughout the text expect to read "Profiles in Viking Pride," 150-200 word biographical profiles of significant alumni, faculty, staff, and financial supports/friends of ECSU.
"The book also discusses the determination of administrators, faculty, staff, and community to keep this institution in existence. As Professor Johnson noted in her original history, which covered events that occurred through the mid-1970’s, the history of ECSU is a story of survival. We have survived challenges other institutions could not and did not," Bowman said.
While Bowman promises to include several lists of people in leadership, buildings and athletic accomplishments, one list stands out. The list of degree programs plays a significant role in recounting ECSU’s history. That list not only reveals the strategic efforts of administrators to lure more students to the campus, it reveals the importance of the university to the Albemarle. That feat is only achieved when a university has the programs and services that meet the needs of traditional students, non-traditional students and area citizens. Non-traditional students come to complete dreams delayed by family commitments, military commitments, financial hardships etc. They also enroll to launch new careers or to expand their skill base. New skills must be developed to meet the new demands of the workplace. The university has also extended is scope of public services–discussion series, workshops, meeting facilities, and camps. Such are the accomplishments of an institution that promotes life-long learning. Bowman promises to shed light on this bourgeoning, southeastern institution-ECSU.