The Standard of Excellence

Hampton alumni chapters were established in several North Carolina locations by the early 1930s. Credit for organizing the chapters into the North Carolina Region of NHAA Inc. goes to Marie McIver, an outstanding educator, whose career included the position of State Supervisor of Elementary Education for Negroes (1937-1948). A temporary regional organization was formed at the Tuttle Community Center in Raleigh on March 31, 1940. At that time, Miss McIver asked each chapter to send representatives to consider a permanent organization. The following year, on March 15, 1941, the North Carolina Hampton Alumni Chapters was established during a meeting at St. Augustine College. Marie McIver was elected the first NC Region President on March 15, 1942, during the Regional meeting at Atkins High School in Winston Salem.

Except for 1943-1945, when there were travel restrictions because of the war, the Region has met annually since its founding. It has always had outstanding leadership and strong membership. The following alumni served as regional presidents: Mrs. Clara D. Mann, William C. Cooper, Neill A. McLean, Nathaniel B. White, Sherman G. Parham, Mrs. Fannie T. Newsome, Isaac C. Rogers, John D. Lennon, Miss Martha E. Riddick, Dr. Spurgeon W. Webber, Jr., Matthew Long, Jr., David D. Spaugh, Miss Naomi Wynn, Edward P. Thompson, Herman B. Lucas, James E. Brooks, Allie M. Peebles, Valencia W. Davis, Leroy Sturgis, and Terry Mutakabbir. 

The North Carolina Region through the years has actively supported the National Hampton Alumni Association, Incorporated and Hampton University. For several years, it sponsored a scholarship program. Many Hamptonians in North Carolina have enviable records of outstanding service to their alma mater and the communities in which they live. In recognition of this service, the North Carolina Region established a program of naming the “North Carolina Hamptonian of the Year” in 1953, during the presidency of Nathaniel B. White, Sr. The following persons have received this plaque: Hugh V. Brown, James J. Henderson, Fannie T. Newsome, Nathaniel B. White, Sr., R. Kelly Bryant, Jr., Estelle Tonkins Nixon, Maurice W. Coleman, Jacob Cartwright Hubbard, Martha E. Riddick, Manual H. Crockett, Isaac C. Rogers, Clara D. Mann Mitchell, John D. Lennon, Carrie Spaulding Wilson, H. Thomas Tucker, James Rogers, William C. Cooper, Clumpertee T. Tucker, Sherman G. Parham, Albert Webb, Herman B. Lucas, Lula Myers, Naomi Wynn, Lloyd L. Peach, William A. Goldsborough, David D. Spaugh, Dr. Lavonia I. Allison, Millard R. Peebles, F.V. Allison, Allie Muse Peebles, Dr. Spurgeon L. Webber, Jr., Reginald D. Smith, Sr., Edward S. Thompson, Arcelious Ward, Aulcie Evans, Lee A. Baker, Dr. Gladys Franklin White, Robert Wood, Gloria Thorpe Doyle, Thomas Culler, Linda Gordan, Harriette Davis, Lewis McMillon, Valencia W. Davis. L. Ernestine Worley, Paula Stevenson, Gerardette Fulton, Leroy Sturgis, Shawn Ross, Gerri Furlow, Dr. Frederick Burroughs, Karen Williams, Leola Spaugh, Lisa Fair, and Fred Anderson.

Many dedicated Hamptonians have contributed to the support of Hampton and this organization. Some have passed on and their memories will never be forgotten. The future of this organization is bright.