Date Opened: 1961

Abbreviation: JA

Namesake:
Hinton P. James (1776-1847)

Building History

One of the three original campus buildings erected on campus, James Hall opened as the Student Services Building in 1961. It was dedicated and renamed in 1970. Early features included a bookstore, cafeteria and student lounge commonly referred to as "The Pub." Currently, James Hall houses Admissions, Registrar, Cashier, Loan Center and Graduate School Offices.

Namesake

Hinton P. James was a New Hanover County native having been born in the northern section, which became Pender County in 1875. Mr. James was the first student to enroll at the University of North Carolina (1795). Legend has it he walked from Wilmington to Chapel Hill to enroll there. While at UNC he was a member of the debating team, the philanthropic society and the first Literary Club. Upon graduating with the first class in 1798, he worked in Wilmington as a civil engineer. He also held public positions such as Superintendent of the Cape Fear River, Magistrate of New Hanover County, Clerk and Treasurer of Wilmington, as well as Mayor. Beginning in 1807, Mr. Hinton served three terms in the North Carolina state legislature General Assembly. He is buried at Hopewell Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Pender County.