Firsts

With many GI's returning from World War II, armed with funding to attend college through the GI Bill, the resident's of New Hanover County recognized the need for an institute of higher learning in southeastern North Carolina. By 1946 the College Center, an extension of the University of North Carolina, offered evening courses at New Hanover High School. Based on the success of this program a bond referendum was successfully put before the people of the county to establish a junior college here. Wilmington College opened its doors in 1947 offering a 2-year course of study, administered by the New Hanover County Board of Education.

Opportunity for day-time classes came with the availability of an old elementary school building, Isaac Bear, directly across from New Hanover high school. This allowed growing room and also joint use of the gym and library facilities. Many of the early faculty also taught at the high school. By 1952 the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities accredited the school as a junior college, though thoughtful leadership never allowed the word 'junior' to become part of the school's title. Many locals still fondly refer the school 'the college'.

In 1958 the Community College Act allowed for WC to form a 12 member Board of Trustees as the authority of the school which included finances, hiring leadership and faculty. By this time with a rapidly expanding student population the need arose to locate space to build a new campus.

1961 - with the purchase of over 600 acres of land the new campus was built at its current location. The first buildings were Hoggard Hall, Hinton James Student Services and Alderman Hall.

1963 - with an Act of the North Carolina General Assembly Wilmington College became a four-year, senior college offering bachelor degrees.

1969 - WC elevates to university status and becomes part of the North Carolina University system.

1977 - UNC Board of Governors authorizes UNCW to offer graduate programs.

Origins of Williston College

Began under the direction of Fayetteville State Teachers College from 1946 until 1955. Beginning with the 1955-56 academic year Williston College became a unit of Wilmington College. Leadership was through Wilmington College administration representatives Booker T. Washington, dean of students and Rowena Jones, registrar and assistant to the dean. The vocational section was administered by George West. There were 6 part time teachers and 26 students enrolled. The administration and faculty fell under the New Hanover County Board of Education, as did Wilmington College.

The first graduating class of Williston College occurred in 1955 with six graduates – Juanita Bellamy, Mable Clay, Mable James, William McMillian, Willie Rogers and Margaree Wright. Rudolph Jones, Dean of Fayetteville State College delivered the commencement address.

In 1958 the student council was organized. Officers were: President- Oscar King, Vice President- Josephine Carmon, Secretary- Mrs. Doris Everett, Assistant Secretary- Rosalie Dickey, Treasure- Lorraine Antone, Parliamentarian – Jean Lloyd, Reporter- Thomas Brown, faculty sponsors- Sadie B. Hooper and Joyce Dickens.

Enrollment in 1958 was 61 students, including 18 nursing students (from Community Hospital diploma program).

It remained a separate facility under Wilmington College until 1964.

First Day

Wilmington College opened its doors at the Isaac Bear School on Market Street on September 4, 1947 at 4 pm with seventeen faculty members and 238 students, of which 75% were veterans. The first student to register was Robert Huffman, merchandising. To facilitate growth the 1948-49 year allowed for both morning and afternoon hours. It was not until 1956 that Wilmington College had full use of the Bear Building.

First Class

The 1st class to graduate was on September 11, 1947 in air conditioning and refrigeration. This class had actually started a year earlier and was part of the technical division of the college under the direction of Mr. George West.

First Student

Fall of 1946, Robert Hufham, a Wilmington native, enrolled in the advertising class. He went on to become manger of JC Penney in Orangeburg, SC.

1969 - First Alumni donor - Green Craig III, Class of 1967 sent $100 to UNCW Alumni Association to establish the first alumni fund for donors

First Faculty

In April of 1947 Wilmington College had seventeen faculty members to teach 238 students.

First Instructor hired - Adrian Hurst, mathematics. He served Wilmington College from 1947-1968.

First Graduate

On April 2, 1949 Mr. Hugh Henry Fox became the first person to receive his Associate of Arts degree from Wilmington College. He served as the first student body president and was also the vice president of the first student legislature.

The first commencement was held at New Hanover High School on May 31, 1949 with 14 receiving liberal arts degrees. Dennis H. Cooke, President of High Point College, was the speaker.

Last Graduate of Wilmington College June 9, 1969 - Norman York was the last to cross the stage before the July 1, 1969 change to UNCW.

First Open House

1950 - In February at the Isaac Bear School Building. It was attended by over 300 people.

First Summer School

1949 - Seven courses were offered based on the demand of students in the program.

Homecoming

1959 - Wilmington College’s first homecoming included a parade, a dance and a basketball game against Edwards Military Institute. Some of the parades floats were sponsored by different clubs; in 1963 several submissions were turned down due to poor taste (examples- satire on Maidenform Bras and Bury the Braves).

Parade route – beginning at the Community Center start down 3rd Street to Red Cross Street and then back up Front Street. Beginning in 1961 the Homecoming dance was held at the Pub located on new campus.

Book Store

1950 - Began as a snack bar with the donation of candy bars by J. Marshall Crews, to be sold to students in the old Isaac Bear Building. This 85 cent investment turned to $1.20 revenue which was used to purchase more candy. The Student Government Association officially formed the bookstore in the early 1950s.

The Pub

1949 - First activity room at the Isaac Bear Building, added a drink box, "The kind one puts a nickel in and out pops a drink," a ping-pong table was also added along with checkers boards and chess game set.

1958 - Revenues generated went to the Student Activities Fund. Lunch counter operated by Wilmington College and run by six part-time student workers, under direction of J. Frank Collier, operator of the Union Bus Terminal restaurant. Vending machines (removed by 1958) plus school supplies were available for the students.

1961 - The pub is opened in the Hinton James Building and known as "The Good Wood Tavern." As the story goes a former WC student took down a tobacco barn and used the wood to construct a counter and benches used in the Pub thus giving the name. When the Student Union was built this wood was removed from James Hall and reused as paneling in an upstairs room.

SGA president and BOT Member

Steve Hobbs (1975-1976)