Lecture Series

Lecture Series

David W. Bishop Lecture Series

This Lecture Series is named in honor of Dr. David W. Bishop who taught American History at NCCU for twenty years.  Dr. Bishop was born and reared in Rich Square, North Carolina.  He received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Howard University, and the Ph.D. from Catholic University.  Dr. Bishop taught at Fort Valley State University in Georgia and Fayetteville State University before coming to NCCU in 1971.  He authored several articles, edited an encyclopedia, and wrote the book, Railroad Decisions in the Interstate Commerce Commission: Their Guiding Principles.  The Bishop Lecture Series is held in April and November.

Earlie E. Thorpe Lecture Series

Named in honor of Dr. Earlie E. Thorpe of Durham, this series is held at the Stagville Historic Site, located in northern Durham County in October.  Dr. Thorpe received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University), and the Ph.D. in American History from The Ohio State University.  Dr. Thorpe taught at Southern University in New Orleans before coming to NCCU in 1961.  While at NCCU, he taught at Harvard University and Duke University.  Dr. Thorpe authored several books, including, The Mind of the Negro, The Central Theme of Black History, The Desertion of Man: A Critique of Philosophy of History, and The Old South: A Psychohistory.

Helen G. Edmonds Lecture Series

This series is named in honor of Dr. Helen G. Edmonds. Born in Lawrenceville, Virginia, she received her Bachelor's degree from Morgan State College, and her Master's and Ph.D. degrees from The Ohio State University.  Dr. Edmonds began her teaching career at the Virginia Theological Seminary and College in Lynchburg, Virginia, and later at Saint Paul's College as an instructor of History and English for five years.  President James E. Shepard recruited her as a faculty member at North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University) in 1941.  From that time until her retirement in 1977, Dr. Edmonds served NCCU in many capacities:  professor of history, advisory to the Drama Club, chair of the Department of History, dean of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, a member of the Interim Committee for the Administration of the University, and author of NCCU's Truth and Service Ceremony.  She was appointed Distinguished Professor of History, and served on the NCCU Board of Trustees.  Dr. Edmonds authored the books, Fusion Politics in North Carolina, 1894-1901 and Black Faces in High Places: Negroes in Government.  The Edmonds Lecture Series is held in March during Women's History Month.