Delaware State University — A Legacy Built in Dover
In 1891, educational opportunity in Delaware was divided along racial lines. The state’s existing college did not provide equal access to Black students, so another institution had to be created. On May 15, 1891, the Delaware General Assembly established the Delaware College for Colored Students under the Second Morrill Act. The law created land-grant colleges for Black students in states that maintained segregated educational systems. (desu.edu)
Using part of an initial $8,000 state appropriation, the school’s six-member Board of Trustees purchased 95 acres north of Dover. The college formally opened on February 2, 1892, offering five courses of study: agriculture, chemistry, classical studies, engineering, and science (desu.edu). In 1893, the institution became the State College for Colored Students—a name it retained for 54 years. It added teacher training in 1897 and graduated its first degree candidates in 1898. The school prepared Black teachers, agricultural specialists, scientists, and professionals at a time when segregation restricted where they could study and work (desu.edu).
Its journey was not without struggle. After receiving provisional accreditation in 1944, the institution lost that accreditation in 1949. Supporters fought to preserve the college and improve its programs and facilities. Their determination paid off: full accreditation was achieved in 1957 and has since been repeatedly reaffirmed. (desu.edu)
The school became Delaware State College in 1947. On July 1, 1993, it adopted the name that reflected its expanding mission—Delaware State University. From its original property and three buildings, DSU grew into a comprehensive HBCU offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. (desu.edu)
Today, the Hornets carry forward the 1890 land-grant tradition of teaching, scientific research, and service to communities throughout Delaware. (cast.desu.edu)
DTOA—Descendants of the Taken Ones. We honor the ancestors who transformed stolen freedom into permanent institutions. It was established because Black students were denied equal opportunity. It endured because Black education refused to be denied. Thank you for your time. To support the channel. Please like, share, and subscribe, and pass this along to your family and friends. Remember: information kept to yourself is lost over time, but shared information becomes enduring knowledge. People who lose control of their history can be led to believe they never contributed anything.