Otis Arnold Singletary Records

Collection

Identifier: UA 0002.0007

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Singletary was president of the Woman's College when the full brunt of the problems anticipated in the 1950's hit the campus. Not only did enrollment increase because of the "baby boom" but the mission of the Woman's College within the Consolidated University of North Carolina changed. In 1963, it became the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; and in the fall of 1964, male undergraduate students were admitted for the first time (Pearsall Committee, 1962; Alumnae Association, 1963).

The increased enrollment brought the obvious problems as well as opportunities. To provide for the increased number of students the administration had to expand the physical plant, both classrooms and dormitory rooms. Information relating to this in usually found under "Capital Improvements." Academic programs were also expanded under Singletary. A major in philosophy was requested in 1961 and plans were begun in 1964 for a bachelor's in nursing. A new major in International Studies, begun in 1962 (International Studies, 1962) was supported by the Whitney-Fulbright exchange of professors (Mossman, 1963; International Studies, 1963). The general preparedness of the students improved, and a full 4-year honors program was instituted in the 1962-1963 school year (Honors Council Report, Board of Trustees, 1963).

An increased emphasis on graduate studies was reflected in the introduction of many new programs. These included master's programs in English, History, Music, Psychology and Biology (1963). Requests were made for a doctoral program in Physical Education and for a expansion of the doctoral program in Home Economics (Board of Trustees, 1963). In 1964, preliminary plans were made for a school of Social Work (Social Work, 1964).

The larger student enrollment brought an increased need for scholarships and financial aid. The Jefferson Standard (1961), Alumnae (1962) and Reynolds (1964) scholar program all began under Singletary (see Scholarships for the year listed). A coordinated counseling service, including a testing center (Testing, 1962), was a part of the student support system (Counseling, 1962, 1963).

Controversies form the larger Greensboro and North Carolina communities are seen from these papers -- segregation of neighborhood businesses (Negro Students, 1963); Speaker Ban Law (1963); civil defense (Civil Defense, 1962; Department of Commerce, 1964); and Cuban refugees (1964).

Dates

1961 - 1966

Creator

Singletary, Otis A. (Person)
Office of the Chancellor (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright is retained by the creators of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information. Please see our Sensitive Materials Statement.

Extent

6.40 Linear Feet (16 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains the official records of Chancellor Otis Arnold Singletary during his tenure at the College, dating from 1961-1966. They include correspondence, reports, and related materials.

Arrangement Note

Singletary's papers are arranged by calendar year, rather than by academic year and are in an exact alphabetical arrangement. Unlike the papers of some of the other Presidents and Chancellors, the papers are usually by subject, rather than by the name of the correspondent. Some of the filing is obvious, but other parts are not so straight forward. Departmental reports are most frequently placed under "Departments" and then by alphabetical order. But related materials may also be found under the name of the chairman or under a special project. Reports of deans are usually filed under the name of the dean or division; however, the reports of administrative heads for 1964 are filed under "Chancellor's Annual Report."

Method of Acquisition

Boxes 1-16, the official papers of the office of the Chancellor of the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina, and after 1963, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, were transferred form the basement of the Foust Building to the University Archives. Some of the biographical materials in Box 16 were originally in the vertical file in the University Archives.

Offensive Language Statement

The UNC Greensboro University Libraries collects, preserves, and makes accessible unique and historical materials for learning and research. The nature of historical materials is such that some material may represent positions, norms, and values that are offensive and objectionable. These materials represent the opinions and actions of their creators. By providing access to these records in our reading room and through our digital collections, we recognize that archives and rare books can play a vital role in holding those creators accountable and in helping us learn from the past.

Our finding aids and other collection descriptions may occasionally re-use language provided by creators or former holders of the materials, but we strive to place outdated or offensive terminology in context. That said, we recognize that we may not always make the right decision and welcome feedback from all sources so we can learn and adjust our practices. Please contact us at scua@uncg.edu if you encounter problematic language in our finding aids or other collection description. We will review the language and, as appropriate, update it in a way that balances preservation of the original context with our ongoing commitment to describing materials with respectful and inclusive language.