John L. Fuller, PhD: 4th District

Abstract

John L. Fuller, PhD:4th District Judson L. Jeffries In 2007 Dr. John L. Fuller retired from West Virginia State University after a long and distinguished career as the university's registrar. After graduating from West Virginia State College (now University), Brother Fuller matriculated at the West Virginia College of Graduate Studies and earned a master's degree in higher education administration.1 He later earned his doctorate in leadership studies with a concentration in higher education and counseling at Kent State University. Born and bred on the East Coast, Fuller grew up in the town of Framingham, Massachusetts, less than 25 miles west of Boston. Rich in Black history, Framingham was an annual gathering-spot for abolitionists. Every 4th of July from 1854 to 1865, which marked the beginning of Reconstruction, the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society held a rally in a picnic area called Harmony Grove near downtown Framingham. The first rally is widely remembered for William Lloyd Garrison burning copies of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, as Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Henry David Thoreau, and William Cooper Nell looked on. Framingham is also famous for being the home of Dr. Fuller's grandmother—Mrs. Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller—who was known for her depictions of Blacks as a painter and sculptor and was the first Black woman to receive a US government art commission. Brother Fuller continues in this long line of distinguished African Americans who call Framingham home. The conversation that follows is the product of several conversations that occurred in May 2021. Judson L. Jeffries: I heard a lot about you Brother Fuller, thank you for agreeing to participate. John L. Fuller: No, thank you, I think what you're doing is commendable. JLJ: Well, thank you, if you don't mind, we'll get right into it. JLF: Ok, fine with me. [End Page 301] JLJ: How many years did you serve as the registrar for West Virginia State University? JLF: Let's see, I started as the registrar in 1973 and retired in 2007; so that's what, 34 years? JLJ: That's a heck of a long time Brother Fuller. JLF: Yes, it is, but don't forget now Brother Jeffries, I was actually there longer than that because I held other positions there as well. JLJ: What other positions did you hold? JLF: Let's see, I began in 1966–1967 as head dormitory counselor for the Freshmen Residence Hall, then in 1967–1968 I was a student personnel counselor, and from 1968 to 1969 I was director of student activities and associate dean of student affairs the following year. Then in 1970–1971 I was assistant registrar. JLJ: Wow, that's a mighty long list. JLF: Hold on, Brother Jeffries, there were position title changes. From 1974 to 1995 I was director of registration and admissions, and from 1995 to 2001 I was director of registration and records, and finally from 2001 to 2007 I was director of registration and records and special assistant to the vice president of academic affairs. JLJ: Good Lord, what position didn't you hold? JLF: [Laughter] I held quite a few, that's for sure. JLJ: So, you retired in 2007? JLF: Yes, I retired in 2007, but then in 2008 I was asked to serve as interim vice president for planning and advancement. Initially, I was asked to serve in that capacity for just a semester, but I ended up staying quite a bit longer than that. JLJ: You may not see yourself this way Brother Fuller, but after talking to one of your colleagues and now listening to you, as you lay out the highlights of your career at West Virginia State University, I think I would be on solid footing by referring to you as an institution. You're a living, breathing institution. JLF: I don't know about that, although some people have mentioned that. JLJ: Oh yeah, I think so. JLF: Well, I don't take the compliment lightly. JLJ: I don't think that's debatable, but anyway, I'm going to change channels right now. JLF: Ok. JLJ: When you think back on your time at West...