Best, Andrew A., 1916-2005

Andrew Arthur Best was born 1916 November 26 in Lenoir County, North Carolina to Lewis W. and Cassie (Dawson) Best. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Afterwards, he graduated from North Carolina A&T State University and then went on to complete his MD at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee in 1951 before establishing his medical practice in Greenville, NC in 1954. Best was instrumental in the desegregation of East Carolina College (now East Carolina University) and the Pitt County NC Healthcare system. Over his career, he served the humanitarian needs of the area, encouraging African American students to enroll at East Carolina University and bringing highly qualified African American faculty and staff to the University. Best was awarded many honors, including appointment to the University of North Carolina Board of Governors in 1971. During his tenure on the Board, he worked with Chancellor Leo Jenkins and others to lobby the state legislature for the creation of a medical school at ECU. Best died 2005 December 7 in Greenville, North Carolina.