The Victoria College, 1925-2000: A Tradition of Excellence

with brick with “15-inch-high aluminum letters
spelling out ‘Victoria College.’” It was placed at
the corner of Ben Jordan and Red River streets.
Floodlights were added and directed toward the
sign so it could be seen at night. The marker
became a college landmark. 108
In 1962, the college conducted a self-study
for reaffirmation by the Southern Association
of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Dr. Roland
Bing served as chairman of the self-study committee.
The result of the hard work put in by
the faculty was a report that Bing dubbed “the
little red book” because of its scarlet cover.
Since a majority of the faculty were not around
when the initial study was made in the early
1950s, apprehension as to what to expect from
the organization was rampant on the campus, a
malady that has afflicted those involved in succeeding
self-studies. Moore was unperturbed,
but not wishing to appear too overconfident,
he remarked that “the administrative staff
and faculty will be on their respective toes for
the visit.” 109
Chairing the three member reaccreditation
committee was Dr. J. L. Ashmore, president
of Pensacola (Florida) Junior College. The
educators spent April 8-11, 1962, on the
campus analyzing college policies, checking to
see if the educational institution measured
up to the organization’s standards, and visiting
with the faculty and students. At the conclusion
of the visitation, Ashmore and his associates
met with an assembled faculty in the Student
Union. The chairman made a number of
humorous statements, praised the quality of
education at Victoria College, and then commented
that the college would be reaccredited
even though a few recommendations were
made, a typical move by reaffirmation committees
no matter how thorough the educational
institution is in compiling its report. One of
the recommendations was a college incentive
policy for instructors. The administration
addressed this issue the following year. 110
The first 13 years the college was at the Red
River Street site were, to say the least, remarkable.
Not only had the educational institution
gained the confidence of the community by
providing a quality education at minimal
expense, but it was also recognized as one of
the best two-year colleges in the state. Even
though there was not an appreciable rise in the
cost of attending the college throughout this
period, the campus experienced an expansion
of facilities and faculty to meet the ever
increasing demands of a rising enrollment.
From the outset, the college insisted that student
academic proficiency be equal to, if not
better than, the first two years at senior colleges.
Consequently, Victoria College students
who transferred to upper level educational
institutions performed admirably. Whatever
financial and academic accomplishments the
college enjoyed during the thirteen-year span
can be attributed to two men—J. D. Moore and
John W. Stormont.
✯
The name marker was a gift from the
1962 sophomore class.
The Dynamic Duo ✦ 101