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In observance of Black History Month, Â鶹¾«Æ·ÔÚÏß²¥·Å is republishing previous articles that highlight the College's role in advocating for equality. This article originally was published as part of Durham’s 60 for 60, celebrating the College’s 60th anniversary.

When Durham Industrial Education Center opened its doors in 1961, it was a triumph for Durham County leaders who saw the center as a place to join two needs: a rapidly shifting industrial economy and the need to train Black and White residents for those jobs.

Following county and state legislation to invest in training centers, the county paid $500,000 to Durham Industrial Development Corporation for a swath of land along Lawson Street  

Eight board members -- George W. Newton, Nathaniel B. White, Dr. Sherwood Githens Jr., Hyland R. McDaniel, Leo A. Downey, Donnie A. Sorrell, Edward L. Phillips, and Robert Lyon -- were the founding trustees for the center.

While four buildings were being constructed on what is now Main Campus, training courses were offered at two city schools, Erwin Mills, General Telephone Company and Duke Hospital. According to reporting from the period, some officials opposed opening the center to include Black residents, but local leaders reached an agreement to ensure the center would be open to all men. Women were admitted later.

The board held its first meeting July 25, 1963, and appointed Lyon as chairman and Philips as vice chairman. During this meeting, they also established that board members would serve a minimum of two-year terms.

The diverse board had deep engagement and oversaw huge growth in the first decades of the College’s existence. As Research Triangle Park continued to grow, so did industries and technical companies in the regions.

Some brief highlights of each founding trustee include:

George W. Newton graduated in 1939 from Durham High School and served an apprenticeship at Duke University in instrument making. He was appointed by the Commissioner of Durham County and served on the board for 26 years and nine as chairman.

Nathaniel B. White was the first African-American Board of Trustees member. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in printing education from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) and graduated in 1937. He was appointed by the Commissioner of Durham County and served 32 years as a trustee.  

Sherwood Githens Jr. attended UNC-Chapel Hill to obtain his doctorate degree in physics, graduating in 1936. He was appointed by Durham County Board of Education and served eight years as a trustee.

Donnie A. Sorrell served on the board from July 1963 until August 1971. He also served as chairman for the first Finance Committee, which played a vital role in securing funds for the College.

Edward L. Phillips attended Duke University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1925 and his Master’s in 1935. He served on the board from 1963 until 1980 and became chairman of the board in 1971.

Robert L. Lyon attended Fishburn Military School and Duke University. He served on the board from 1963 until August 1980. He served as chairman until 1971 and continued to serve at Â鶹¾«Æ·ÔÚÏß²¥·Å as a member of the Technical Scholarships Committee.  

Leo A. Downey and Hyland McDaniel both served on the board from 1963 until 1965.