Peter Weddick Moore

NOTE: The unveiling of a N.C. Highway Historical Marker to honor educator Peter Weddick Moore is scheduled for Oct. 20, 2018 in Elizabeth City at 11 a.m. N.C.
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Mr. Moore was the first president of what is now Elizabeth City State University. He is also recognized for his contribution to the public school system in the area that had a major impact on the life of many African-Americans in Pasquotank County.

Peter Weddick Moore (June 24, 1859 - April 15, 1934) was a North Carolina educator and the first president of Elizabeth City State University. Educated by Sampson County public schools and Shaw University, Moore later became an assistant principal at the Normal School at Plymouth, until he built and became principal of what is now known as the Elizabeth City State University. Moore fought strongly against the segregation of education and society as well as for equality among whites and blacks. Throughout his life, Moore contributed greatly to the achievements of the North Carolina Teachers' Association and held every role within the organization.

Moore grew up in Duplin County, North Carolina. He was born enslaved to enslaved parents. He had a tumultuous childhood. His father is believed to have been killed by the Ku Klux Klan, so his mother was forced to raise him and his four siblings alone. Moore's mother believed that her children should all be educated and saw to it that Moore went to school during his upbringing. He was said to have gone to a neighborhood school created by the Freedmen's Bureau. He went on to study at the Philosophian Academy in a neighboring county, where he was able to develop his academic interests. After graduation, Moore became certified to teach in a one-room school, allowing him to further pursue his passion for academia.

taught for only a year before being named assistant principal of the State Normal School in Plymouth. When a new normal school was established in Elizabeth City in 1891, he was appointed principal.

Although established by the General Assembly with a $900 appropriation in 1891, the new normal school had neither a building nor a site. Moore and his assistant located a site and building and opened in January 1892 with 60 students. The school expanded in 1894 and again in 1912, when it moved to its present location. Moore’s skills as an administrator and educator led to the school’s growth.

The school had been founded for the specific purpose of "teaching and training teachers of the colored race to teach in the common schools of North Carolina." Moore built upon that ideal and was a founding member and president of the North Carolina Teachers Association, organized for black educators. He also established an industrial education program at the normal school, believing that skilled workers and craftsmen also were needed.

Moore was dedicated to the academic and spiritual preparation of his students and insisted on “right living.” He served as teacher, supervised the practice school, and handled all discipline. His health began to fail around 1921, and in 1928 he was named president emeritus. He died in 1934 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Elizabeth City.

Moore made dramatic contributions to the education and livlihoods of thousands of African Americans in his lifetime and beyond. Today the institution is part of the University of North Carolina system, and offers 27 baccalaureate or professional degrees, and four masters degrees.


Source:. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Weddick_Moore