James Barnes came to Virginia State in 1931 as an instructor in health and physical education. He also coached basketball, football, and track during his short stay at Virginia State College for Negroes. There is a street named for Coach Barnes...
College Athlete; Virginia State College for Negroes
Eugene "Ace" Bailey came to Virginia State College for Negroes in 1934. While here, Bailey lettered in three sports for all four years until graduating 1938. The only athlete to have accomplished this feat thus far. Sadly he died in...
Flight Trainee, Student; Virginia State College for Negroes
Theodosia Fraser was the only female student enrolled in the CCC flight training program at the university in 1941. Unfortunately, she died in a crash.
Campus Organization; Virginia State College for Negroes
The Choral Society, (college choir) 1931 conducted by Alston Burleigh. The pianist for the group sitting next to Mr. Burleigh on the front row is Undine Smith Moore.
Commissioned Officer; Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute.
Virginus Johnston was a 1913 graduate of the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute. Virginus was one of five Virginia State University graduates to be commissioned an officer in the 92nd division during World War I.
Campus Physician; First Physics Graduate; Virginia State College for Negroes
Charles Townes entered Virginia State College for Negroes in 1931. Mr. Towns became the first physics graduate in 1934. He went on to get a Ph.D in physics from Penn State and M.D. in medicine from Howard University. After World War II, Dr....
High School Teacher; College Faculty Member; Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute
Dannie Starr graduated from Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute in 1928. Her career at Virginia State included time teaching at the university high school and as a member of the college faculty after 1940. She later married Charles Townes.
College Building; Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute
Construction began in 1883, and was finished in 1888. It contained classrooms, library, dormitories, cafeteria, administrative offices, faculty housing, infirmary, and auditorium. It could accommodate 1000 students. The name was changed to...
