NC State During World War II

One of the most significant contributions to the war effort was the Diesel Program developed by the Mechanical Engineering Department. The program trained more than 1,500 members of the navy.

Reference librarian Reba Clevenger became the acting college librarian during World War II when all male library staff members left for military service.

Construction for a new basketball arena and ROTC armory began in 1942. Construction was interrupted for many years because of World War II. The building was named for businessman William Neal Reynolds and funding to begin construction came from the Works Progress Administration.

Department head A. F. Greaves-Walker took a leave of absence from NC State to serve as Chief of the Metals and Minerals Branch of the Office of Production Research and Development. His research contributed to development of materials in the war effort.

The faculty approved a plan to allow seniors who were taking jobs in essential industries or joining the military to graduate early.

The faculty approved a plan to hold fall engineering classes in the summer as part of a nationwide war effort to accelerate graduation at technical schools.

Urgent appeals were made to increase women enrollment numbers in engineering courses as male students left to fight in World War II.

Students gathered over 150,000 pounds of scrap metal in 3 hours for the war effort. A banner over the collection pile read "To Hitler & Co. from NC State College."

Plans were announced for up to 2,000 military trainees to enroll at State College and take specialized defense classes through the U.S. War Department. The college operated as two separate units: one for the military and one civilians.

Dean of Administration John Harrelson reported for active army duty. He was the 56th faculty member at State College to enter active service and the first head of a major college in the South called for permanent active duty.

Enrollment hit the lowest mark in 20 years due to the number of students leaving to join the military.

During World War II, State College formed a partnership with the U.S. Navy to train naval officers in diesel engineering. The Diesel Building was constructed to house this project. It was designed by Ross Edward Shumaker and became part of Broughton Hall in 1951.

Over 5,000 NC State alumni reported to be in the armed services, six of whom obtained the rank of general.

Fifty-eight women were enrolled at NC State, many taking advantage of special scholarships to provide engineering training to women so they could work in industry during World War II.

The 1945 Agromeck was printed and released late due to wartime restrictions.

More than 75 trailers, forming what was known as the "City of Trailers" or "Trailwood," were constructed. These structures were built so married World War II veterans and their families could attend NC State on the GI Bill. In 1949, Trailwood was relocated, and Williams Hall was built in its place.

A football game against Duke was the first appearance of the marching band following the conclusion of World War II.