I34

administration building were greatly desired.

The financial condition of the college appears to have been weak. First, an endowment of $200,000.00 was needed.135 Second, the North Carolina Conference did not seem to be on exCellent relations with the Freedmen’s Aid and Southern Education Societya The financial condition of the Society itself was poor, for it was not able to meet its obligations" As a resultg the Bennett teachers were inadequately paid.136 Income to the Society from a boarding student remained at $72.00 a year in l915°l37

Out of a total of 254 students in 1915ul9169 5 were in college studies, 94 were at the preparatory and normal levelg and l49 were in grades five through eight. The first four grades had been elimi~ nated.I38

A significant statement occurs in the l9l5 catalogue, the first known reference in the Bennett College records which designated the American Negro as a subject of special academic study. Among the sub— jects treated in a sociology course required of college juniors was "organized efforts for improving the conditions of living and the so»

cial condition of the American Negro.”I39

‘3“1bid.

‘35Ibid., p. 70

136N. C. Conferencep Minutesg l9l6, pp, 38=L+0o

137Bennett College, Annual Catalogue, l9l59 p. llo 138N. C. Conferencey flinutes, l9lS, po 3Q.

139Bennett College, Annual Catalogue, I915, pp. 26u27, 39a The reference also occurs in the l920 catalogue, pg 310