History of North Carolina Central University School of Law

North Carolina Central University was chartered in 1909 and opened its doors to students in 1910 as the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua.  Dr. James E. Shepard, the founder, served as the President of the institution from its founding until his death in 1947.  From the beginning, North Carolina Central University has declared its purpose to be the development in young men and women of the character and sound academic training requisite for real service to the nation.

In 1939, the North Carolina General Assembly authorized the North Carolina College for Negroes.  The General Assembly sought to establish a law school to provide African-Americans with an opportunity for a legal education.  Although the school was scheduled to open in 1939, its opening was postponed until the following year due to initial insufficient enrollment.  Nevertheless, the Law School formally opened for the study of law in 1940.  The entering class consisted of four students.

Always committed to providing opportunity, the school has continued to grow over the decades.  In 1944, the school admitted its first women.  In 1965, caucasian students were enrolled.  The year of 1981 marked the first year for the Law School's evening program;  the only evening law school program between Atlanta, GA and Washington, D.C.  As a result of the Law School's growth, the student body now includes more than 550 students.

Founded during a time of lawful racial segregation, an important aspect of the Law School's mission is to attrat capable persons from diverse backgrounds.  NCCU Law seeks students who are committed to public service and to meeting the needs of the under-served.