Boyer, James Alexander, 1909-1998

James Alexander Boyer, an African American educator, was professor of English, dean of the College, and College president at Saint Augustine's College of Raleigh, N.C.

From the description of James Alexander Boyer papers, 1924-2000 [manuscript]. WorldCat record id: 51283180

James Alexander Boyer's life was inextricably bound to Saint Augustine's College of Raleigh, N.C. On 15 June 1909, he was born on its campus, where his father, Charles H. Boyer, taught and later served as the institution's first African American dean.

James Alexander Boyer received his elementary and secondary education at Saint Augustine's. After completing the two years of post-secondary instruction that were then offered by the College, Boyer went on to finish his bachelor's degree at Morehouse College in 1931. In 1934, he earned a master's degree from Atlanta University and returned to Saint Augustine's as chair of its English department. In 1940, he began work in a doctoral program at the University of Michigan, but his studies were interrupted by service in the United States Navy, 1942-1946. After his discharge, Boyer returned briefly to Saint Augustine's and then resumed his doctoral work at Michigan.

After receiving his Ph.D., Boyer became dean of the College at Saint Augustine's. After serving in this capacity from 1949 to 1955, he assumed the presidency of the College and served in this capacity until 1967. Upon his retirement, he continued to teach and play an active role within the Saint Augustine's community until his death on 28 Feburary 1998.

From the guide to the James Alexander Boyer Papers, 1924-2000, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Historical Collection.)