Nathan W. Collier Explained

Nathan W. Collier (1872–1941) was an American academic administrator who served as president of Florida Baptist Institute and then Florida Normal and Technical Institute[1] from 1896 onward. Florida Baptist Institute was established by Collier and Sarah Ann Blocker, who combined Florida Baptist Institute and Florida Baptist Academy to form it. Collier was president of the historically black college from 1896 to 1941. The institution later was developed and renamed as Florida Memorial University.

Collier was from Augusta, Georgia. He graduated from Ware High School and Atlanta University.[2] Collier was involved in the latter school's move from Jacksonville to Georgia.[3]

Legacy and honors

Collier-Blocker Junior College was named for him and Blocker. The Nathan W. Collier Library at Florida Memorial University is also named for him. The university gives an anual award for service to it in his name.[4]

Collier Blocker Puryear Park was also named for the university's founders.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Book: McCarthy, Kevin M.. African American Sites in Florida. April 4, 2007. Pineapple Press Inc. 9781561643851. Google Books.
  2. Web site: The National Cyclopedia of the Colored Race. Clement. Richardson. April 4, 1919. National publishing Company, Incorporated. Google Books.
  3. Web site: Opportunity: Journal of Negro Life. Charles Spurgeon. Johnson. Elmer Anderson. Carter. April 4, 1969. National Urban League. Google Books.
  4. Web site: Vice Mayor Erhabor Ighodaro Receives Nathan W. Collier Meritorious Service Award. myemail.constantcontact.com. 2019-04-04.
  5. Book: Eubanks, Gerald. The Dark Before Dawn: From Civil Wrongs to Civil Light. 2012-10-30. iUniverse. 9781475955576.