The history department at historically Black North Carolina Central University in Durham is celebrating its 75th anniversary. As a result of its longstanding contributions, the American Historical Association recently gave the department its 2014 Equity Award. The award recognizes individuals or institutions for excellence in recruiting, retaining, and graduating members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in the history profession.
According to the university, North Carolina Central has graduated more African American students who went on to earn a Ph.D. in history than any other undergraduate program in the country. Today, there are 19 North Carolina Central University graduates who are enrolled in Ph.D. programs in history.
There are currently 80 undergraduate students majoring in history at the university and there are 36 graduate students in history programs.
Jim C. Harper II, chair of the department of history at the university, stated that “as a small department, we work closely with our students, especially in the area of research. Students who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. come to our program because they know we will give them the solid foundation they need to prepare for doctoral work.”
Dr. Harper holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from North Carolina Central University and earned a Ph.D. in history at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
What an incredible article!! NCCU is very blessed to have Dr. Harper leading the history program. He is the perfect fit for our university!