Effie Ruth Webb - McQueen        - graduated 1959

As a student of then North Texas State University, we had to walk to school, rain, sleet or snow from South Wood street, which was located in Southeast Denton in order to be on time for class. It is important to mention that there was a bus to tranport both students and workers to the campus, however, catching the bus would have made all those riding be late for class and work. This is because there was only one bus as I remember it, that went all over Denton, picking up and dropping those needing tranportation to and from work and school.

I was one of the more fortunate students, because I lived with my brother who was a pastor during this time. He pastored Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He would take me to school before going to work in Dallas, and would give me cab fare to catch a cab home.

Classes were scheduled only from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p. m.
We could only go to the Library after 5 p.m.

As a female student we were only allowed to wear dresses during school hours. After 5 p.m., we were allowed to wear pants. Even though it may seem to those reading this today, how awful it must have been, it wasn't. It was well worth it and If I had to do it all over again, I would and I wouldn't change a thing. It is my belief that today I am a better and a stronger person because of the things I experienced as a child and a young adult living during segregation.

The President of the University at that time was Dr. Matthews.

 

 

Ella Goode Johnson        - attended 1967-1971

Observing the 50th annniversary of UNT desegregation is indeed a necessary opportunity to reflect from whence we have come. The February 14th gala was a glorious time of reflections and memories of those people and incidences which have shaped the lives of many UNT alums. Having the opportunity to interface with the collegiates was refreshing. The 'Greek scene' brought back rich memories of sorority life at Chilton Hall and the College Inn. May the 2004 yearlong celebration continue to provide opportunities for fellowship and reflections.

 

 

Brucy Clothus Gray        - graduated 1958

The late Ural Wilson and I were the first African American students in the graduate program of mathematics at North Texas State College. Starting in the summer of 1957, we attended classes together and studied together for the year that I was there. We both received our degrees at the summer commencement of 1958. After graduation from North Texas, I returned to teaching at Prairie View A&M College and Ural Wilson accepted a position there. We taught there together for several years.

 

 

James Walter Bowdre        - graduated 1960

I enrolled at UNT as a freshman in the fall of 1956 after graduating from Lincoln High School, Dallas, TX. My first visit to the campus I met Bullock (Bull) Hyder, Economics Professor and I told him that I was planning to Major in Economics. Prof. Hyder introduced me to the other professors in the economics department. Also during the school year he invited me to dinner to meet his wife and children. He also introduced me to several other UNT faculty members. I graduated in the Spring of 1960 with a BA in Economics. During my stay at UNT I lived with several families and other Black students on Denton's East side because during those early years at the school Black students could not live on campus. I was the third Afro-American to play varsity football at UNT following Abner Haynes and Leon King my High School team mates. I was given a nick name (Zeke)by one of the coaches and some individuals still refer to me as Zeke.

 

 

Renee' DeLana Cofield        - graduated 1976

My coming to NTSU in the Fall of '70 was the beginning of a segment of my life that continues to this day. I met people that influence and impacted my outlook about how to accept people of all races. 1970 was not that far removed from 1954! I had been a part of the initial integration of the school district where my father was the principal and had witnessed his gross mistreated by the white school district. They tried to break his self-esteem by having him handle books and teach only when before he had managed an entire school! Instead, he packed us up and moved us to McKinney; started over as a teacher, but at his choice. I cried the entire nine hour trip, but it was one of the best moves we could have made. I was exposed to more culture; I was allowed to move away from home (30 whole miles) to attend college, but I had just turned 17 in August before beginning college and a whole new world lay at my feet!

I then made an equally profound decision, I joined the ranks of an organization that helped mold me into the woman I was meant to be - - Amazin' Zeta Eta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta!!! There I found, literally the Big Sisters I longed for as the oldest girl in a family of three siblings with a 10 year gap between me and my little sister. I found companions to do things with. I found someone who always felt like riding home with me when I needed to go (sometimes they wanted to go when I didn't (sm) for a good home cooked meal. My dad's cooking was the bomb!!! I found what I needed to complete the maturation process into black womanhood. I found the extended family of sisters that I have today. Attending UNT was, for me, just what I needed in all aspects. My degree is greatly respected. I am torn about where to pursue my Master's, but I will always be proud to have been a part of the 1st 50 years. My 18 year old son is including UNT in his list of schools to consider and that makes me very proud!!!!!

 

 

Curtis Weldon McCoy        - graduated 1979

I remember the infamous "streaking" episodes of 1973 -74. Things were so outrageous. I remember a wild Saturday night in late October of '73 when State Troopers were called to the campus to quell a near riot. Several arrests were made, including Dr. Harvey King, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Order was later restored early the next morning and the fad of streaking receeded into obscurity.

 

 

Kameeka DeShon Williams        - graduated 1998

Let's just say my memories at the University of North Texas far exceed the traditional high school memories. High school was good, but my years at North Texas contributed to who I presently am. The friendships,acquintances, and associates I have met at North Texas still brings me joy to see out and about in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metro area. If I could relive a moment of my life, I would want to relive all my years at the University of North Texas.

 

 

Angie O. Perez        - graduated 1981

My husband and I first arrived at UNT (NTSU back then) in Aug. 1978, shortly after our daughter was born. While my sister came up with us to assist with caring for our little Christie, she had to leave us prior to the end of the Fall Semester 1978 in order to have some needed surgery. Because we were new to Denton and had no family in the area, I approached my professors for permission to bring my daughter (approx. 7 months old by then) to class for a couple of weeks. Not a single one of them hesitated to say "yes." Being young (we were both 21) and with a minimal income, we were extremely grateful for their compassion and generosity. I have never forgotten that and have told many people the story of how Christie "attended" college as a baby. I still believe that is one of the reasons, she always knew college was in her future (that plus the fact that we drilled it into her at an early age). Currently, she is on the verge of receiving her Bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University. (What can I say? She's an artsy, creative type who takes after her father so we had a hard time trying to convince her to stay in Texas.) I will say that our 4 years at NTSU were challenging, but my husband and I managed to get through it and graduated together in May 1981, with most of our family and friends in attendance. We could not have persevered without the great support we received from our professors. I have never regretted the decision to attend NTSU!

P.S. I also picked up a great recipe for cheese dip during my stay at NTSU that went on to become a Christmas family tradition. It is now also expected at ALL family gatherings. For this I am ever grateful to Susan(?) who was Dr. Max Oelschlager's departmental secretary (Philosophy Dept.)! (I apologize in advance if I have misspelled his name.)

 

 

Bruce W. Bell        - graduated 1977

I met my wife, Deborah Forest Bell at North Texas State in 1975. Deborah and I were married in 1976, Deborah was the dorm director at Maple Hall in 1976-1977. Our first home was the apartment behind the front desk of Maple Hall.

Bruce and Deborah Bell
1977 1975

 

 

Virgie O'Nell Hunter        - graduated 1975

During my senior year I ran for Homecoming queen from the Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta endorsements(1974). That was the first year that a man and a cow ran for queen as well. What an experience. The court of 1974 included me as the 1st runner up. I vividly recalling the bonfire and wishing my name was called so that I could see where my family was, at that point I really didn't care if had won or not. North Texas gave me an eye opener to what the real world could be like.
After graduating, I still kept in touch with some of my major professors mostly because I chose to return to NT and pursue my Masters' degree. My professors appreciated my choice in employment and used it as a teaching tool for other undergraduates, to give them a better perspective on early childhood education in economic underpriveleged neighborhoods, at that time (mid 70's).

 

 

LINDA LAWSON TATUM        - graduated 1975

Incident + Action = Benefit!
My fondest memories at NT are probably the best four years of my life. Computer space is insufficient for the stories I could tell. I want to thank the University and give credit where credit is due, along with Divine Order of course. My professional and personal growth at North Texas are reflected daily in my vision of enabling human development through continuous improvement.

 

 

Cheylon Denise Brown        - graduated 1999

I remember moving into Maple Hall on Sunday and being so homesick that I called my family and told them I was ready to come home on Tuesday. Everything seemed so distant and out of reach. I had several problems with my scholarship and financial aid...I mean nothing was going right! Life seemed to have taken a downward spiral, but I found light at the end of the tunnel in the Progressive Black Student Organization. If it had not been for the officers of PBSO, I know I would have packed my bags and went home! I poured myself into the organization and found lasting friendships.

I also became a member of DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, NAACP,BACCUS & GAMMA, NPHC, PROVERBS 31 WOMEN'S MINISTRY, STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION- ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

Of course not everyday was a good day. I remember protesting with the NAACP on several occasions. It was hard, lasted for long periods of time and was met with opposition, but it felt great to stand up for what we believed was right. We were set on making a difference and we didn't let anything turn us around.

I believe the most successful protest was done by the concerned students of color. The request was made for a Cultural Center and the request was granted and thus we have the Multicultural Center today.

There are so many stories, I could share, but the key thing that I would like to share is that we protested to make a difference for those who were coming behind us. We prided ourselves on doing what it took to encourage and hold each other lifted up. The good thing is that it paid off. We fought together, played together, graduated and are giving back in some way to the organizations we started and the ones in which we were apart.

 

 

Casey E Thomas II        - graduated 1995

I had an opportunity to gain experience in political involvement through my participation with the Black Student Alliance as myself, Collette Leyva, Raymond Mbala, James Guillory, and Elliote Dunlap formed an alliance with the expected outcome of seeing an increase in the Black student body, Black faculty and administrators, tenure for Black professors, and most important a Multicultural Center. Through BSA, I have come to see these things come into reality. The role of BSA played a signicant part in the establishment of the Blue Ribbon Committee which made increase the Black presence at UNT a priority.
Also, having the opportunity to spearhead the challenge of bringing an NPHC to UNT's campus was a monumental task at the time. Being seen as separatist was the main cause for opposition for the NHPC, but being able to show others that the NPHC would bring unity as opposed to discord was a major factor in establishing the council.
Finally, having the opportunity right before graduating to establish a mentor program for incoming freshmen to help with the retention of students in general, and Black students in particular was a legacy that today has contributed to increasing the graduation rate for students campuswide.
Frederick Douglass, the great African American emancipator, is quoted as saying "without struggle, there is no progress." I agree with him, but I also believe that without struggle, there is no appreciation. We have to tell our story and our struggles because if we don't the privileges that students have now they will take for granted.

 

 

Gloria Frazier Evans        - graduated 1970

I am a charter member of Zeta Eta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. My memories of North Texas are warm and positive despite the turbulent times of the nation during the time that I was in college. I never felt that there were any limitations on what I could accomplish. I was a member of Angel Flight as well as the sorority's representative on Pan Hellenic Council. My social life was centered around my friends and the sorority. So, in a sense we were still very much segregated socially. I was comfortable at North Texas and I felt safe.

 

 

Virginia Linguist Winker        - graduated 1955

In the spring semester of 1955, I served as editor of The Campus Chat, and the President's Office was my beat. Each week I visited with Dr. J.C. Matthews, then president of North Texas State College. At our first meeting, he told me that we could not mention anything in the college newspaper relating to race, integration, desegregation or any related subject.

The Sociology Club later announced in Club Notes that it was holding a panel discussion on desegration at its upcoming meeting. Soon after the announcement was printed, the president of the Sociology Club came to The Chat office and told us that he had been summoned to President Matthews' office and had met with a number of the administrative officials of NTSC. He believed that if the panel discussion on desegration was not cancelled, he would be forced to leave the school.

Although we disagreed with the Administration's censorship, we did nothing, and at the conclusion of my term as editor, I received a thank you note from President Matthews. He appreciated my cooperation. I was embarrassed. At about the same time, I spoke on censorship at the Southwest Journalism Congress in New Orleans. It was the year North Texas was admitted to the organization. In my speech, I criticized the NT Administration.

I personally was very interested in integration. From North Texas I went to the University of Minnesota for my master's in journalism and wrote my thesis on editorial opinion of prestige Southern newspapers immediately following the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case as compared with opinions of the same newspapers two years later. I later became an attorney and spent many years working for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a civil rights attorney, particularly in enforcement of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In the back of my mind, I always was embarrassed about our failure to "buck" the Administration in 1955 and cover the issues of race as we thought they should be covered.

But years later, I learned that President Matthews had a plan and a dream to integrate NTSC without fanfare, without burning crosses, without overt controversy.

Many of us were glad that he accomplished his plan and dream.

-Virginia Linguist Winker

 

 

Richard D. Washington        - graduated 1977

My experiences at UNT (North Texas State University) prepared me for a career in teaching in many ways. I had the opportunity to have role models in the faculty that I met. For example, the following professors made a lasting impression on me because of their sincerity- Dr. Numley and Dr. Devers. Both shared "real life" applications of math and education. I have applied those examples in my life-long career as a math teacher. Their examples of dealing with students helped me to be a motivator and supporter of my students.

 

 

Burlyce Addison Logan        - attended 1956-1959

My name is Burlyce Sherrell-Logan. I was among the first African American Students to attend the University of North Texas in the Fall of 1956. At that time it was called North Texas State University. This was a trying experience for both the University and the African American Students. The first year we were not allowed to live on campus. We rented rooms from the Black community. The following year I was allowed to move on Campus, but not in the dormitory. I was one of three women students who rented a room in a White sorority hall which we were not members. I was not expecting the student body to welcome me with open arms but neither did I expect them to be as hostile as they were. Some of the teachers were very hostile, but some were not. My music instructors were all very supportative and unbiased. At the freshman orientation assembly the students were advised that they were not prepared for the academic rigors of the University since they were Black. This statement was false, since from the age 6 through High School graduation my music instructor was a White male.

The University was instructed by the State to except Black Students, they didn't like it, but eventually learned to accept it. A great many learned to see us as students and not the animals they were told the Black students were. We the Black Student body endured and brought to the campus a diverse and new culture that only served to enrich the University. The University has come far, correcting some of the errors of the past, but we hold them accountable for the future of all minority students.

 

 

racquel lashaun washington        - graduated 1996

1995 Homeconing Queen
Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

 

 

Maxwell Curtis Scarlett        - attended 1962-1965

My mother, Evelyn Guinn Scarlett, attended UNT from 1956 through 1959---obtaining her Master’s degree in Education in 1959. I attended UNT from 1962 through 1965, but then transferred to UTA and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1966. I later obtained an MD from Howard University College of Medicine in 1971.

Other personal history of interest

I was one of the first three blacks to stay in West Dormitory. The first was Wayman T. Deaver, a public school teacher from Waco who was working on his dissertation during the summer of 1962. Mr. Deaver (ultimately Dr. Deaver) was joined by Tyrone Lewis of Mineral Wells, Texas and myself in the fall of 1962. The three of us shared Room 634 in West Dorm for the entire school year. Mr. Deaver obtained his Doctorate in Education in 1963---becoming the first black at UNT to do so.

I was the first black member of the UNT Chapter of Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society (circa 1963-1964).

Under the tutelage of Dr. Harold E. Schlichting, I became the first black student to grade student papers in the Biology Department at UNT during the 1963-1964 school year and, during the following school year became the first black student to teach laboratory students in the Biology Department at UNT. I had the opportunity to become the first black student to do research in the Department but chose not to do so.

The above facts are those which readily come to mind for me and should be verified easily. If I may be of further assistance, please let me know.

Maxwell C. Scarlett, MD
North Texas Ex, 1962-1965

 

 

John H. Mason        - graduated 1978

I will always be grateful for my journey at NTSU. NTSU afforded me the opportunity not only to receive my degree but to get the needed business experience for the work world. I was part of a special project between the school and Jobs Corp.

 

 

Sandra Williams Stephens        - graduated 1969

I entered UNT in the summer of 1966, the day following my graduation from high school. This was my first experience in an integrated environment, as I was the product of a separate and unequal segregated educational system in rural east Texas.

My educational environment was separate and unequal, but also very supportive and stimulating. I was expected to excel, and I always had. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that I was not the smartest in each of my classes, and that despite the great teachers and parents that I had, there were some things to which I simply had not been exposed. Imagine having this revealed to you in an environment in which very few people looked like you, and those in the majority often would not even look at you! I recall being in the UB one day getting my mail and looking around to find myself engulfed in a sea of white faces. I felt very alone and isolated.

Despite these difficulties, my memories are mostly fond ones, mainly because of the rich variety of people that I met and the lifelong friendships formed while at UNT. Of course among the majority faculty, staff and students, there were the bigots, the narrow-minded and the curious (the latter are the ones who want to touch your hair). But there were also those like Dr. Cora Martin, who encouraged me and provided opportunities that I would not have otherwise even known about. I choose to remember people like Dr. Martin.

Besides successfully completing my bachelors degree in three years, and being recruited for graduate study at UNT, I consider being a charter member of the “Amazin’” Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated my greatest achievement. The amazing group of 19 young black women who founded this chapter on September 29, 1968 can only by described by the highest superlatives reflecting intelligence, strength, character, persistence and plain old guts. We also showed an amazing ability to party real hard and still maintain high academic achievements!

I salute UNT for having this 50 year celebration, and challenge all members of the UNT community to embrace this time not only as a period of reflection, but also as a time to assess the actions needed to ensure that we accelerate the progress in the continuing struggle for equal educational opportunity.

Sandra Williams Stephens

 

 

Ronald Henry High        - graduated 1971

I entered North Texas in August of 1968 to major in music. I was assigned to the piano studio of Stefan Bardas,Artist-in-Residence. In fact, I was the only African-American student of his at that time. When I attended North Texas, there were approximately 30 African-American music majors, some who were the only minority students in their teachers' studios. Several of these individuals have risen to prominence in their fields. These students include Stephany Harris Scott, the only black female piano performance major at North Texas then; James Powell, the only black male piano major at North Texas; Brenda Miller, Melanie Burnim, Fredda Batts, Sheila Walker, Gloria Phillips Stevens, Sandra Phillips, Jo Ann Pickens, now an international opera and concert singer in Paris, France; Faye Robinson, an international opera and concert singer; Freddie Evans, Durleen Reed, Felicia Smith, James Williams, Walter Simmons, Zandra Rucker, James Jones, the only black pipe organ major then; Allen Brandon, Sheryl DeBose, Dianne Randolph, the first black DMA candidate in voice at North Texas; Jesse Warren, Alvin Smith,Don Sherow, Freddie Evans,Louis Smith,Kenneth Smith etc. I was a member of the Chapel Choir and the A cappella Choir, where I served as one of the accompanists. I was also a studio accompanist for every voice faculty member and some of the instrumental teachers. I was one of the coach/accompanists for the Opera Workshop under the direction of Professor Arthur Schoep. I was one of the few black male students at North Texas to hold memberships in Blue Key Honor Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society. I was the only black student at North Texas to graduate cum laude in December 1971 (I marched in May 1972). In 1971, I founded the Society for the Promotion of Black Music and Musicians and organized and coordinated the first-ever Black Music week at North Texas, which featured local church choirs and soloists. As part of that week-long celebration, I moderated and co-sponsored a faculty-led panel discussion of black music featuring guest composer Ulysses Kay. The Society for the Promotion of Black Music still exists under the new name, "The Association of Professional African-American Musicians."

During my days at North Texas, I coordinated the music and secured speakers for two Martin Luther King Day celebrations that were sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Jo Ann Pickens was the soloist and the late Dr. Harold King and the late Rev. Herman H. High were the guest speakers on separate occasions.

During my college days, I was the organist for Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, St. Emmanuel Baptist Church, and Mt. Pilgrim C. M. E. Church. Many minority students from North Texas attended these churches.

I recommended James Ford to come to North Texas in the 1990s to study trumpet with Professor Leonard Candelaria. James received the M.M. and I believe, the DMA.

 

 

Christopher G. Gillam        - graduated 1987

"50 Years of Progress" is a very appropriate name for this celebration... because it certainly didn't just happen in 1954.

I'm from Alaska, so after having been accepted at NTSU, I subscribed to the "Denton Record Chronicle" to learn a bit about this town that was thousands of miles from where I was raised. I remember one of the front-page stories showing pictures of a KKK demonstration!

I started at North Texas in '81, and in the spring of '83 I thought about pledging a fraternity. However, what I noticed during rush was that there were "white" and "black" fraternities, and none with a mixture of both.

This did not set well with me, so during rush I'd ask the various fraternities if they would ever consider pledging a black man. Most of them said "sure" without giving it any thought at all. However, one of them actually considered my question, discussed it among themselves a bit, and then got back to me with this answer

"We're one of the oldest fraternities on campus, and we get quite a lot of alumni support. If we were to pledge a black man, we would probably lose some of that support... however, if we felt a man was right for our chapter, we would take the risk and accept him." This sounded like a much more sincere answer, so it made a favorable impression on me.

I went ahead and pledged that fraternity... and a few nights later, they actually did pledge a black man!

Two years later, he was voted the president of our "white" fraternity (although by then we had other minorities in our brotherhood too), and after that I was voted president of our chapter.

It's amazing to me that desegregation was still happening in the 80's... but progress and opportunity truly are a process.

On a personal/professional note... I am the Director of Human Resources for a tire company up here in the Northwest. We have 350 employees at 30 locations across 4 states. I also have a consulting business (www.jobsearchadvisor.com) where I help people get hired sooner, for more pay and into jobs they'll enjoy (I teach job seekers to look at their job search from the employers perspective - job seekers call it a job search; on the other side of the desk, employers call it a recruitment campaign). Finally, I just authored/published a book called "The Job Search Advisor" (ISBN 0-595-19601-2).



P.S. While the following stories have nothing to do with the "50 years" celebration... they are my only two "claims to fame" (besides the streaking event), so what the heck.

1. I left Homer, Alaska the day after my 18th birthday, hitch-hiking for NTSU. It took me a month and 5 days, traveling down to Vancouver, Chicago, Montreal, Florida and finally over to Houston and on up to Denton. Shortly after the semester started there was a 4-column article in the school paper about my trip, the headline stating, "Student Treks 10,000 miles to NTSU". This article made me somewhat of a celebrity my freshman year. When I wore sweatshirts/jackets that said "Alaska" students would stop me and ask, "Do you know that guy from Alaska?" To which I'd answer, "I AM that guy from Alaska!"

2. One of my best friends at NTSU, who was my roommate for three semesters and one of the friends that I still keep in touch with..., is a radio "celebrity" in North Texas. You'd know him as "Hawkeye" on the Dorsey Gang.

 

 

Evetta LaTrece McGriff        - graduated 1993

UNT wasn't my first choice for school, but I'm so glad I made the decision to attend. I made lifelong friends and wouldn't trade my college years for anything.

I liked it so much, I've re-entered UNT to obtain my teaching certificate!!!

 

 

Annie Marie simmons        - graduated 1970

Rev. Sarah Davis Taylor was instrumental in establishing the Epsilon Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.