The coastland times with which is combined the pilot and herald of Belhaven and Swan Quarter. [volume] (Manteo, N.C.) 1959-1973, 1960-01-01

WILLIAM ROLAND COLLINS,
who for some SO years has been
teaching, since his graduation from
Shaw University, Raleigh, is one
of several Roanoke Islanders of his
race who have won distinction
away from home. He is principal
of the Johnston County training
school, large consolidated educa-
tional unit in this locality. His
most recent honor is having been
nominated one of two candidates
for state president of the North
Carolina Teac hers Association
which has more than ten
thousand members. The campaign
to win votes began on December
18th, and a drive for funds is I'M
de1way to help him to this place
dedicated to educational work
among the people of his race in
N. C.
Prof. Collins is the son of the
late David and Mary Cooper Col
Inns of Roanoke Island, and a
brother of Mrs. Lloyd Meekins and
Mrs. Charlie Pledger of Manteo.
After leaving the old Roanoke
Academy, he worked his way
through college, and his long ca
reer in Johnston County has estab-
lished him firmly with both races
as man of leadership and ability
for public service. He is now So
years old.
1t is a source of pride among his
people of Roanoke Island
to have an opportunity to
c ontribute financially to his
campaign. Two persons for presi-
dent have been nominated from
outstanding negroes leaders of the
state. 1t has become competitive
election gained by the votes of the
10000 or more teachers of the as
sociation. 1t requires campaign
wherein he must carry the message
concerning what his program is to
be for the association as their
leader. 1t will cost him money for
printing. stationery, mailing, trav-
ell and personal contacts with
teachers and groups of teachers
across the state.
Prof. Collins is now head of a
school which, from 1922 has in
creased from seven elementary
teachers to 25; and from four to
p high school teachers. These 46
teachers serve 1,247 students. The
high school enrolment since 1922
had grown from 70 to more than
400, as of two years ago. The grad
uating class each year numbers
about IS.
His wife is the former Alice P.
Carter of Brockton, Mass, an ex-
perienced teacher, clubwoman and
organizer; a state officer in Garden
and Womans' Clubs. They have
two sons, w. R. Jr., who is a re-
search chemist in New York and
Harold E. an Army officer. He
lives at 113 So. Fifth St., Smith
field, N. C.
Prof. Collins is completing IS
wears of educational service, 81 in
Smithfield. He holds an M. A. De-
gree from A. & T. College, Green's
boro; has taken additional courses
in Hampton Institute, Cornell and
Columbia Universities. He is on
the Governors List of selected
negroes from which he makes APP
pointments. For the past five years
has been budget officer of the N.
C. Teachers Association; has
served as delegate to the National
NEA convention in Portland, Ore
gon, Philadelphia and Cleveland
He has a long list of honors and
periods of service as an officer IN
State and local educational, re-
ligious and fraternal groups. The
35th anniversary of the school he
heads was dedicated to him and ms
service, and the following words
appeared in the tribute to him
"Your outstanding achievements
we believe, are due, primarily to
your diplomatic ability, your deer
interest in your fellowman, your
unfaltering courage in which yor
face seemingly unsurmountable OBJ.
stacles, and an inner faith in the
ultimate good of mankind which
causes you to work until your
dreams become realities"