Historical State, 125, NC State University, one hundred twenty-five years of shaping the future

1945

J. W. (John William) Harrelson (1885-1955): Harrelson graduated from N.C. State College in 1905 with a Bachelor of Engineering degree, staying on as an Instructor in Mathematics. In 1934 Harrelson became Head of the Mathematics Department. He served as an Officer in the Army Reserves and saw active duty in both World Wars. Between wars, he served as Director of the Department of Conservation, North Carolina from 1929-1933. Harrelson was Chancellor of N.C. State College from 1934-1953. During his 19 year administration Harrelson led State College through its two largest building programs, including 7 dorms, 11 new and 4 renovated teaching-research-extension buildings, a new library, Reynolds Coliseum, a College Union, and a nuclear reactor for civilian training. The NCSC student population was 1,800 in 1934 when he became Chancellor, and grew to 4,000 students when he retired in 1953. Harrelson Hall, the round classroom/office building facing the Brickyard at NC State, was named in his honor.
John William Harrelson was born on June 28, 1885, in Double Shoals Community, Cleveland County, North Carolina. He graduated from North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (later North Carolina State University) in 1909 with a bachelor's degree in engineering. In 1915 he received a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the same school. From 1909-1934 Harrelson served as instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor, and eventually department head of mathematics at North Carolina State College. In 1934, he was appointed Dean of Administration at North Carolina State College. That title was changed to Chancellor in 1945, and Harrelson held this position until his retirement in 1953. There were two breaks in Harrelson's tenure at the college. The first was during his military employment in 1917-1919. The second was during the period 1929-1933 when he served as the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Development. Throughout his life, Harrelson was active in the civic and religious affairs of Raleigh, North Carolina. He served on many governmental and private boards, commissions, and councils. He died in Raleigh on March 12, 1955.

Black-and-white print (photograph)

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