DURHAM, N.C. — When compared to some of the nation’s other historically Black colleges and universities, the history department at North Carolina Central University has an impressive record of training their undergraduate students to gain admission into competitive doctoral programs in history.
In the 75 years since the history department came into existence at NCCU, the faculty have graduated more than 80 alumni who have gone on to earn a Ph.D. in history at other universities and have since carved out impressive careers as engaged researchers, university professors and museum curators.
Dr. Jim C. Harper II, who graduated from NCCU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1994 and a Masters of Arts degree in 1997, returned to his alma mater eager to teach a new generation of students after earning his Ph.D. from Howard University.
“You will find our history alumni teaching at universities across the country from Northwestern University to the University of Louisiana,” said Harper, who has served for the past three years as chair of the 12-person history department. “Our students are teaching at top Division I research institutions, and that is not easy as a first appointment after earning a doctorate. That speaks to how well we have prepared our students.”
The department was recently honored with the Equity Award by the American Historical Association for its ongoing work in “recruiting and retaining underrepresented racial and ethnic groups into the historical professions.”
NCCU officials have long boasted that they now lead the way — among HBCUs — in sending more African-Americans into doctoral history programs. According to Harper, there are 19 NCCU history alumni currently pursuing their Ph.D.
