Remembering Dr. James Ward Seabrook
posted by Troy Hobbs III | March 26, 2024 | In NewsMarch 26 is the 50-year anniversary of the death of our beloved former educator, president and community leader Dr. James Ward Seabrook. Dr. Seabrook was a pillar in Fayetteville’s community, as well as Fayetteville State University’s history.
According to Chesnutt Library Archives, Seabrook was born on November 6, 1886, to Rev M.J. Seabrook and Lucy S. “Mother” Seabrook, in Sumter, South Carolina. He attended his early education of primary and secondary schools in both Sumter and Abbeville, SC.
He got his A.B. at Biddle University, now known as Johnson C. Smith University, and an M.A. from Columbia University.
Seabrook stated to Fayetteville Observer in 1961 that during his reminiscence on his graduate school years that he “just buckled down and worked.”
Seabrook taught for two years at Slater State Normal School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which is now Winston-Salem State University. He taught for a year at Kittrell College and then taught at his alma mater, Biddle University. During his time at Biddle, he served stateside in the Training Corps during World War I.
Dr. Seabrook traveled to Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1922, and became vice principal of the Fayetteville State Normal School, precursor to our institution, under Dr. Ezekiel Ezra Smith.
He later became president of the school in 1933. During this time, he was awarded by his alma mater Johnson C. Smith an Honorary Doctoral Degree for his contributions to higher academia.
In 1937, the State Normal School became Fayetteville State Teachers College, and Dr. Seabrook was named the president of this new four-year institution. He ushered in new buildings, most notably the Charles W. Chesnutt Library, and an auditorium, known today as Seabrook Auditorium. Dr. Seabrook also was the president when our own news publication, The Voice was created in 1946.
Dr. Seabrook would retire from FSTC in 1956. He then served one year as the President of Johnson C. Smith.
After his retirement, he headed many organizations such as Chairman of Cape Fear Valley Hospital and president of the North Carolina Teachers Association. He also was the first African American to be appointed to the position of Commissioner of the Employment Security Commission.
Dr. Seabrook dedicated his all to the furtherance of education for the next generations after his time. To Dr. James Ward Seabrook and the Seabrook family, on behalf of The Voice we are so beyond grateful for your contributions to not only our university, but also the community of Fayetteville and higher education.
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