Namesake: Harriet Wiseman Elliott
1884-1947
Harriet Elliott came to the campus in 1913 as a member of the faculty to teach history and political science. Her enthusiasm and interest in current events and in the women's suffrage movement was such that her students' interest was aroused. Miss Elliott maintained her legal residence in Illinois, where she could vote.
Active in both state and national affairs, Miss Elliott brought many major speakers to the campus, and she encouraged organization of suffrage groups.
When Miss Elliott was appointed Dean of Women in 1935, she continued teaching. In this capacity, she was able to bring "responsible freedom" to the students, through a Student Government Association and many other campus organizations which began forming. She also identified the need for a facility which would accommodate the new organizations and provide space for social and cultural programs the students were asking for. Believing that continuous education should be provided through coordination of academics and the "extra-curricular," she wished for a place where such could be under one roof. The students supported Dean Elliott's dream.
In 1941, money was appropriated for the construction of a student union. However, Dean Elliott did not live to see its completion. She died in 1947, after having served in Washington, DC under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and having returned to the campus after World War II to serve as Dean of Women.
Harriet Elliott's influence is perpetuated through the Harriet Elliott Lecture Series and through the building which bears her name.
The Elliott University Center is a testimony to Miss Elliott's philosophy: "PEOPLE, NOT SYSTEMS, ARE IMPORTANT."
This material was compiled and written by Terry Weaver.
References:
- Bowles, Elisabeth A. A Good Beginning. UNC Press, 1967.
- Schumann, M., with Lathrop, Virginia Terrell. "Bricks and People," The Alumni Association, UNC Greensboro, 1973.
- "The Alumni News," Vol. 55, Number 4, July 1967.
- Pine Needles, various years.
- "Take Time" (Elliott Hall Calendar and Bulletin)
- "Here's How" (Publication for Students) Dr. Joyner taught English at the State Normal from 1893-1902. He contributed a great deal to education in his native state, North Carolina. In 1902, he was appointed State Superintendent of Public Instruction.