Historical note: The University Archives documents the activities and events of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a Historically Black and 1890 Land- Grant University located in Princess Anne, Md. Our institution originated as a result of the efforts by leaders of the Delaware Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It involved the endeavors of several men; in particular the work of the Rev. Joseph R. Waters and a white minister, the Rev. John A. B. Wilson. It was named the Delaware Conference Academy for Negroes (a branch of Centenary Biblical Institute in Baltimore) and opened its doors on Sept. 13, 1886. It was referred to by locals simply as “The Academy” in its early years. Subsequent titles include: Industrial Branch of Morgan College (which, before 1890 was known by its original name, Centenary Biblical Institute) Princess Anne Academy The Eastern Branch University of Maryland Princess Anne Academy of Morgan College(a relationship both with Morgan College and the University of Maryland) Princess Anne College (a branch of the University of Maryland in 1936) Maryland State College (1948-1970) University of Maryland Eastern Shore (1970-present) Contents: The University Archives Collection contains the records of the Office of the President dating from the 1940’s to the present, with the heaviest concentration of documents relating to the tenures of presidents Dr. John T. Williams (1947-1970) and Dr. William P. Hytche (1975-1996). Pre-1940’s documents are photocopied records, newspaper articles retrieved from online sources or type- written synopses taken from other sources to supplement records lost in two fires on campus. Also featured prominently are the records of the Office of Academic Affairs, containing program proposals, memoranda, reports, correspondence and policies. Within this record group, special attention is given to the Commencement Programs from 1952-present. The collection houses various record groups representing the individual academic departments on campus dating with gaps from 1950-the present, with the bulk of records falling within the 1970’s-1990’s range. In amongst the records describing the daily functioning of the academic departments can be found colorful and informative brochures and event programs. Another large group of records concerns the Board of Regents with bylaws, clippings, minutes, memoranda, policies, proposals, reports and other materials. The collection also houses newspaper clippings dating with gaps, from roughly the late 1940’s to the present.
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Historical note:
The University Archives documents the activities and events of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a Historically Black and 1890 Land-
Grant University located in Princess Anne, Md. Our institution originated as a result of the efforts by leaders of the Delaware Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. It involved the endeavors of several men; in particular the work of the Rev. Joseph R. Waters and a white minister,
the Rev. John A. B. Wilson. It was named the Delaware Conference Academy for Negroes (a branch of Centenary Biblical Institute in Baltimore)
and opened its doors on Sept. 13, 1886. It was referred to by locals simply as “The Academy” in its early years. Subsequent titles include:
Industrial Branch of Morgan College (which, before 1890 was known by its original name, Centenary Biblical Institute)
Princess Anne Academy
The Eastern Branch University of Maryland Princess Anne Academy of Morgan College(a relationship both with Morgan College and the University of Maryland)
Princess Anne College (a branch of the University of Maryland in 1936)
Maryland State College (1948-1970)
University of Maryland Eastern Shore (1970-present)
Contents:
The University Archives Collection contains the records of the Office of the President dating from the 1940’s to the present, with the
heaviest concentration of documents relating to the tenures of presidents Dr. John T. Williams (1947-1970) and Dr. William P.
Hytche (1975-1996). Pre-1940’s documents are photocopied records, newspaper articles retrieved from online sources or type-
written synopses taken from other sources to supplement records lost in two fires on campus. Also featured prominently are the
records of the Office of Academic Affairs, containing program proposals, memoranda, reports, correspondence and policies. Within
this record group, special attention is given to the Commencement Programs from 1952-present. The collection houses various
record groups representing the individual academic departments on campus dating with gaps from 1950-the present, with the bulk
of records falling within the 1970’s-1990’s range. In amongst the records describing the daily functioning of the academic
departments can be found colorful and informative brochures and event programs. Another large group of records concerns the
Board of Regents with bylaws, clippings, minutes, memoranda, policies, proposals, reports and other materials. The collection also
houses newspaper clippings dating with gaps, from roughly the late 1940’s to the present.
Note: Yearbooks and Course Catalogues are available, but are considered a part of Special Collections and are housed separately
from the University Archives. The Yearbooks have been digitized and that is the preferred method of viewing them as it reduces the
wear and tear on the copies preserved in the climate controlled room. They are accessible through the Special Collections homepage
found at http://www.umes.edu/FDL/Default.aspx?id=19160 See a member of the Special Collections Staff for assistance or call 410-
651-7695.
Record Group (RG) 1 – The Office of the President
Author/Creator: President’s Office, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Series: 1-8
Extent: 10 linear feet (processed) approx. 6 linear feet (unprocessed)
Date span: 1942-2011
Bulk dates: 1959-1995
Repository: Special Collections, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Frederick Douglass Library, Princess Anne, MD 21853. Tel:
Restrictions: Yes, there may be some files in this collection that are restricted, usually because of privacy issues due to student or
personnel records. Please contact a member of the Special Collections Department for more information.
Citation Information: Office of the President, University of Maryland Eastern Shore records, Special Collections, Frederick Douglass
Library.
Processing Information: The processing, arrangement and description of the Office of the President Records took place in April and
May of 2012 and was completed by Jennifer Neumyer, M.L.S. – Special Collections & Outreach Librarian.
Biographies of University of Maryland Eastern Shore administrators (1886-2011)
Benjamin Oliver Bird 1886-1897 – (b. 1855 (or 1853) - d. 1897) – The first principal of “The Academy” hails from Loudon County,
Virginia. He was an alumnus of and formerly taught at the Centenary Biblical Institute (presently Morgan State University). Bird also
taught classes at the Academy. He literally helped to build the school and expand its acreage. In its first 11 years under Bird, records
indicate 53 students graduated from the Academy and a dining room, teacher’s cottage, as well as boys’ and girls’ dormitories were
built. He remained principal until his death in 1897. His wife Portia Bird took over from him.
Portia E. Lovett Bird 1897-1899 – (b. 1859 - d. 1899). She was the wife of Benjamin Oliver Bird and second principal of the Princess
Anne Academy from 1897-1899. She was a graduate of the Storer Normal School in West Virginia. She had also been a teacher at the
Academy in subjects such as physiology and elocution.
Pezavia O’Connell 1899-1902 – (b. 1861 - d. 1930). Born on March 2nd, before the Civil War in seceded Mississippi, this third
principal of Princess Anne Academy was to be called as a minister first. He was the first principal at our institution to have earned a
Ph.D. He held that post from 1899 until 1902. Little changed at Princess Anne Academy during his tenure, not curriculum or facilities,
though there was an increase in enrollment. After his short career in Princess Anne, Maryland, he moved on to teach at Howard
University, Gammon Theological Seminary and in 1920 became head of the history department at Morgan College.
Frank J. Trigg 1902-1910 – (b. 1850 - d. 1933). Our fourth principal was born into slavery as a member of Governor John B. Floyd’s
household staff (In the governor’s mansion in Richmond, Virginia). After losing his arm in a farming accident, he pursued higher education and graduated from Hampton University. He then pursued a secondary-level industrial agriculture program at Norwich
Academy in Connecticut. After graduation, he moved to Abingdon, Virginia to teach at the segregated public schools. He was principal of the Virginia Collegiate and Industrial Institute, which like Princess Anne Academy, was a branch of Baltimore’s Morgan College. He proceeded to become our principal from 1902-1910. He especially emphasized Industrial education in addition to the already strong agriculture program. In addition to science, he taught the Bible, child psychology, hygiene, literature, pedagogy and geography. He made great capital improvements. In 1903 he endeavored to introduce the first night school program although it foundered. He invited nationally known speakers to campus such as Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Dubois, and Madame C.J. Walker. His aim was to stimulate students’ intellect. Trigg left the Academy in 1910 to once again lead Virginia Collegiate and Industrial Institute. In 1915, Trigg became president of Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C., where he spent the next 11 years before retiring.
Thomas H. Kiah 1910-1936– b. April 14, 1873 in Dorchester County, Maryland – d. December 30, 1936. Fifth principal and alumnus
of Princess Anne Academy class of 1900. He then went on to graduate from Morgan College and feeling a calling for the ministry, he
joined the Methodist Episcopal Church's Delaware Conference. The conference assigned him to the pastorship of Union Methodist
Episcopal Church in St. Michaels, Md. He later earned his doctorate of pedagogy from Morgan and other graduate studies at Cornell
and Columbia Universities. At our institution, he paved the way for the transition from what was more of a high school to his dream
of a four-year college. The college was not to be a reality in his tenure, however he is noteworthy, having lasted as principal from
1910-1936, the longest serving head of our institution.
Robert Grigsby 1936-1947––from Lynchburg, Virginia. First a history teacher at the Academy in 1913, then Acting Dean of
Administration for Princess Anne College, the newly named and fully functional four year college that became a reality in 1936. An
alumnus of Morgan College and Columbia University, his tenure from 1936-1947 was marked by physical plant upgrades as well.
Dr. John T. Williams 1947-1970– b. October 24, 1904 in Minden, Louisiana – d. July 13, 1971 in Salisbury, Maryland. The first
President of Maryland State College as it was now known in the 1947-1948 school year. He served from 1947-1970. He came to us
from Langston University, the University of Cincinnati, and with a Ph.D. from Indiana University. He had previously served at
Kentucky State College in many roles including football and basketball coach in addition to higher academic functions. His tenure
was marked by sweeping changes felt across campus in facilities, enrollment, faculty and finally, recognition. Additionally, he
brought many important speakers to campus like Eleanor Roosevelt, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Adam
Clayton Powell.
This era too was marked by Williams’ personal choice for football coach Vernon “Skip” McCain and the overwhelming successes he
brought to our Hawk football team. It became a football powerhouse and one of the most notable historically black college football
programs in the country, sending a record number of five players turned pro to Super Bowl III.
In the 1960’s, Dr. Williams struggled against a backdrop of the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement. With rising tensions and
student unrest over living and learning conditions, due to in part unequal government funding, he stepped aside.
Dr. Howard Emery Wright 1970-1971– From 1970-1971 he served as Acting Chancellor. He had previously served as Dean of
Maryland State College from 1967-1970. He had the full support of administration, faculty and staff to provide a smooth transition
of office after President Williams’ departure.
Dr. Archie L. Buffkins 1971-1975– Chancellor of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore from 1971-1975. He was a composer,
author and administrator. He stood alone against other HBCU’s who wanted to keep their institutions for African Americans only. Dr.
Buffkins wanted a multiracial institution with mutual respect for all people and cultures. He is also known for developing the
cultural and performing arts on campus. During his tenure, the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts was completed with
Ms. Fitzgerald herself as the guest of honor at its dedication ceremony. After his five years of service he left to take upper level
administrative positions with the University of Maryland College Park, The Kennedy Center, and Maryland Public Television.
Dr. William P. Hytche 1975-1996– Is considered the tenth president of this institution, serving us well from 1975-1996. After earning
an honorable discharge from the Army and having been recognized as “Most Outstanding Administrator” for his unit, he proceeded
to earn his master’s and doctorate degrees from Oklahoma State University. He arrived here in 1960 when the institution was still
known as Maryland State College, as a mathematics instructor. He quickly rose through many positions such as Chairman of the
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and Dean of Student Affairs. He became acting Chancellor in 1975 and then after
an extensive national search by the Board of Regents he was named Chancellor. In 1988, his title changed to President of the
University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Under his leadership, the university tripled in student enrollment and added an additional 305
acres of land. There was a campus-wide utilities upgrade and other major facilities improvements as well as new construction. Over
30 academic programs from undergraduate through doctoral level were added under his leadership. He was appointed by President
George H.W. Bush to serve on the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He also served as co-
chair of the USDA/1890 Task Force and was chair of the Council of 1890 Presidents/Chancellors from 1985-1990. He received too
many awards to list here during his lifetime. He also has several articles and books to his credit, including a history of our University
titled Polishing the Diamond.
Dr. Dolores M.R. Spikes 1997-2001– Assumed the role of President of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in January of 1997
until September of 2001. She had previously served as President of the Southern University and A&M College System. With that
appointment she held the distinction of being the first woman head of a Louisiana public college or university.
Dr. Jackie P. Thomas 2001-2002-- appointed an interim president by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. He had
previously been a professor of English at UMES, Chairman of the department of English and Modern Languages, executive assistant
to the president, associate vice president for academic/student affairs, and executive vice president. He then accepted this new role
until the next president was selected in 2002.
Dr. Thelma B. Thompson 2002-2011– Began her tenure at UMES in 2002 retiring on August 15th of 2011. Dr. Thompson earned all
her degrees from Howard University and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa honors society and graduated cum laude. Prior to coming
here, she taught at Bowie State University, Howard University and the City University of New York to name several. She has also
functioned as a Dean and a vice president for academic affairs. Her primary focus at UMES has been on accreditation and she and
her team have earned it for 25 academic programs. She has led UMES to consistently earn U.S. News & World Report’s ranking as
one of the country’s best historically black institutions. One of her last big achievements was securing a doctoral program in
Pharmacy. Student enrollment increased by 25% and fundraising and grant earning increased incrementally.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The Records of the President’s Office include documents from the tenures of Pezavia O’Connell, John T. Williams, Howard E. Wright,
Archie L. Buffkins, William P. Hytche, Dolores M.R. Spikes, Jackie P. Thomas, and Thelma B. Thompson. The information on the
remaining Presidents is merely photocopies of information taken from other sources and as such is located in the vertical file. Dating
from 1898 to 2011, the records and other materials found within this collection include correspondence, reports, minutes,
biographies and obituaries, newspaper clippings, speeches, publications, and legal documents. As presidents, they oversaw the
administrative and academic functioning of the campus, not just the financial, but also the curricular and capital improvements.
Human relations and student life were important as were extracurricular activities such as sports. Community relations, especially
during times of racial unrest in Princess Anne played an important part in the records of these presidents.
Arrangement of the Collection
The collection is arranged into eight series:
Series 1: Pezavia O’Connell
Series 2: John T. Williams
Series 3: Howard E. Wright
Series 4: Archie L. Buffkins
Series 5: William P. Hytche
Series 6: Dolores M.R. Spikes
Series 7: Jackie P. Thomas
Series 8: Thelma B. Thompson
Folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series 1: Pezavia O’Connell, 1900-1902 (1 item)
Biographical notes by an unknown hand in script, with references listed. They amount to a total of four pages of photocopied and
laminated pages.
Series 1: Pezavia O'Connell
Description Series Box Folder
Copy of biographical notes on Dr. Pezavia O'Connell, undated series 1 box 1 folder 1
Series 2: John T. Williams, 1947-1970 (4 linear feet)
This series contains an assortment of clippings, correspondence, meeting minutes, event programs, reports, and speeches detailing
the tenure of Dr. John T. Williams as the only president of Maryland State College. There are a multitude of clippings highlighting the
racial tensions that came to a head in Princess Anne in 1964. There is an “Agenda” that calls for the removal from office of Dr.
Williams. There are details of the celebrations that marked the 80th anniversary of the College as well as the 20th anniversary of the
President of the College. Informative reports reconstruct the facts of the time such as our financial condition, housing, the racial
climate in the town of Princess Anne, the idea of a consortium with Salisbury State College, a name change etc. There are dozens of
speeches written by J.T. Williams, a thought-provoking speechwriter, as well as many distinguished visitors like C. Payne Lucas,
Whitney M. Young, Julius A. Thomas, Frank P. Graham, and Andrew T. Hatcher.
Series 2: John T. Williams
Description Series Box Folder
Appointments [Faculty and Staff], 1967 series 2 box 1 folder 1
Awards -- Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, Morgan State University, 1967 series 2 box 1 folder 2
Bibliographies - J.T. Williams Collection - UMES Library, 1972 series 2 box 1 folder 3
Bibliographies - John Taylor Williams Collection, undated series 2 box 1 folder 4
Biographies - Templeton, Furman L., c. 1966 series 2 box 1 folder 5
Biographies – Williams, John T. (by members of Kappa Alpha Psi), c. 1970 series 2 box 1 folder 6
Budgets - Maryland State College Budget Request 1953-1954, c. 1953 series 2 box 1 folder 7
Budgets - The Budget Request of Maryland State College, 1954 series 2 box 1 folder 8
Bulletins - Activities, 1966 series 2 box 1 folder 9
Clippings, 1951 and 1971 series 2 box 1 folder 10
Clippings - Racial Tensions in Princess Anne, 1964 series 2 box 1 folder 11
Reports -- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, n.d. series 5 box 3 folder 87
Reports -- "Identification and initiation of Structural and Programming Changes to Advance and Sustain a Model 1890 Land-Grant University for the 21st Century", n.d.
series 5 box 3 folder 88
Reports -- Subcommittee on Organization and Governance [draft], n.d. series 5 box 3 folder 89
Reports -- Subcommittee on Programs, n.d. series 5 box 3 folder 90
Reports – Toward Equality of Educational Opportunity and Attainment in Higher Education in Maryland [draft], n.d.
series 5 box 3 folder 91
Reports -- Department of English and Languages, c. 1953 series 5 box 3 folder 92
Reports -- University of Maryland Report of the Maryland State College to the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, 1953
series 5 box 3 folder 93
Reports -- Comments of J.T. Williams on the Report on: Division of Arts and Sciences, Division of Mechanic Arts, Division of Home Economics -- Maryland State College, 1956
series 5 box 3 folder 94
Reports -- University of Maryland Appointments and Promotions, 1957 series 5 box 3 folder 95
Reports -- To the President of Maryland State College and the Maryland State College Faculty for the State of Maryland Advisory Council for Higher Education, 1966
series 5 box 3 folder 96
Reports -- Education and Psychology, c. 1967 series 5 box 3 folder 97
Reports -- Consultants Report on Maryland State College, c. 1969 series 5 box 3 folder 98
Reports -- The Cooperative College Development Program Progress Report, 1969 series 5 box 3 folder 99
Reports -- The Relationship of Maryland State College as a Division of the University of Maryland, 1969 series 5 box 3 folder 100
Reports -- Annual Report of the Dean of the College, 1970 series 5 box 3 folder 101
Reports -- The College Service Bureau, 1970 series 5 box 3 folder 102
Reports -- The Delineation That Grew Out of the Workshop and the Results, 1971 series 5 box 3 folder 103
Reports -- Task Force on UMES Student Housing, 1974 series 5 box 3 folder 104
Reports -- Task Force to Propose Ways of Enhancing the Role and Image of Predominantly Black Colleges in Maryland, 1974
series 5 box 3 folder 105
Reports -- A Three Year report from the UMES Chancellor, 1974 series 5 box 3 folder 106
Reports -- And Recommendations of the Task Force to Evaluate the Final Report of the Governor's Study Commission on Structure and Governance of Education, 1975
series 5 box 3 folder 107
Reports -- Subcommittee on Students of the Committee to Study Cost, Feasibility, and Consequences of Developing Maryland State College as an Integral Part of the University of Maryland, c. 1975
series 5 box 3 folder 108
Reports -- Chancellor's Advisory Council Reports [and correspondence], 1977 series 5 box 4 folder 1
Reports -- Final Report and Recommendations of the Lower Eastern Shore Task Force, 1977 series 5 box 4 folder 2
Reports -- Recommendations to the UMES Committee of the Board of Regents Concerning the Lower Eastern Shore Task Force report [and response], 1977
series 5 box 4 folder 3
Reports -- [Response to] Joint Subcommittee on Education and Human Resource [and correspondence], c. 1977 series 5 box 4 folder 4
Reports -- Response to the Task Force Studying Higher Education on the Lower Eastern Shore, 1977 series 5 box 4 folder 5
Reports -- Slides for Eastern Shore Task Force Presentation, 1977 series 5 box 4 folder 6
Reports -- Statement by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, 1977 series 5 box 4 folder 7
Reports -- Status of the Cox Task Force Recommendation, 1977 series 5 box 4 folder 8
Reports -- Toward Equality of Educational Opportunity and Attainment in Higher Education in Maryland [draft], 1977
series 5 box 4 folder 9
Reports -- UMES: It's Strengths and Weaknesses, 1977 series 5 box 4 folder 10
Reports -- A Prospectus for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 1978 series 5 box 4 folder 11
Reports -- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Evaluation Team, 1981 series 5 box 4 folder 12
Reports -- Report to the Board of Regents, 1981 series 5 box 4 folder 13
Speeches -- Faculty and Staff Convocation, 1982 series 5 box 4 folder 49
Speeches -- International Technical Assistance: A Challenge and an Opportunity for 1890 Colleges, [by Benjamin F. Payton, President of Tuskegee Institute, 1984
series 5 box 4 folder 50
Speeches -- Testimony [by Chancellor William P. Hytche] 1984 series 5 box 4 folder 51
Speeches -- "Dr. William Percy Hytche: An Event-Making Man, the Hero in a Drama of Renewal and Transformation, [by M.K. Curry, Jr.], 1985
series 5 box 4 folder 52
Speeches -- [by] Clifton R. Wharton, Jr., Chancellor, State University of New York, 1985 series 5 box 4 folder 53
Speeches -- Freshmen and Parents - The Centennial Class, 1986 series 5 box 4 folder 54
Speeches -- Opening Remarks at 99th Commencement, 1986 series 5 box 4 folder 55
Speeches -- Remarks at 1986 Opening Convocation, 1986 series 5 box 4 folder 56
Speeches -- Welcome the Class of 1986 and New Faculty [Opening Fall convocation, 1986 series 5 box 4 folder 57
Speeches -- [to] Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Eta Chi Lambda chapter), 1987 series 5 box 4 folder 58
Speeches -- By His Excellency Dr. Kenneth D. Kaunda, President of the Republic of Zambia, 1987 series 5 box 4 folder 59
Speeches -- State of the University, 1987 series 5 box 4 folder 60
Speeches -- Statement of UMES Chancellor William P. Hytche, 1987 series 5 box 4 folder 61
Speeches -- The Inaugural Address of William B. Delauder [Delaware State College - President], 1988 series 5 box 4 folder 62
Speeches -- 1890 Library Directors' Association Conference, 1989 series 5 box 4 folder 63
Speeches -- Fall Convocation, 1989 series 5 box 4 folder 64
Speeches -- McDonald's Annual Educators' Luncheon Celebrating Black History, 1989 series 5 box 4 folder 65
Speeches -- "A National Resource for Agricultural Science and Technology", 1989 series 5 box 4 folder 66
Speeches -- Annual Fall Convocation [and program], 1990 series 5 box 4 folder 67
Speeches -- Commencement Address [by] Judge Clifton J. Gordy, Jr., 1990 series 5 box 4 folder 68
Speeches -- [to] Department of the Interior, 1990 series 5 box 4 folder 69
Speeches -- Governor's Retreat on the UMES campus, 1990 series 5 box 4 folder 70
Speeches -- Presentation to USDA Joint Council and Users Advisory Board, c. 1990 series 5 box 4 folder 71
Speeches -- Testimony before the Education Policy Committee of the Maryland Higher Education Commission, 1990
series 5 box 4 folder 72
Speeches -- A Welcome Address for Freshman Orientation, 1990 series 5 box 4 folder 73
Speeches -- Capacity Building at Extramural Associate Institutions, 1991 series 5 box 4 folder 74
Speeches -- National Parks Forum, 1991 series 5 box 4 folder 75