M. A. Smythe A Factor In Steady Growth Since 1902-A Wide Variety Of Courses
From the 1938 centennial edition of The Times-Register
The history of the National Business College is closely interwoven with the history of Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and a wide surrounding trade territory. The National Business College was established in 1886, at which time Roanoke was emerging into a city. Since that time, the growth of the College and the city has closely paralleled each other.
In 1896, Mr. E. M. Coulter, now president of the National Business College, began an active participation in the management of the school. Since that time, the College has been under the same management continuously.
In 1902 Mr. M. A. Smythe, now vice president of the College, began his active association with the school. Thus, the management policy of the school has been unbroken through a long period of years.
It has been the policy of the school from its inception to do one thing well. The soundness of this policy is confirmed by the record of over a half a century of continuous growth and service in business education. This policy through its successful operation, justifies the reference heard so often, “That splendid business college in Roanoke,” when thousands of National-trained employers, employees, and friends pause to pay tribute to its superior work.
The school was first located on Campbell Avenue, approximately where the Spigel Department Store now stands. The next location of the College was in what is known as the Bear Building, the corner of Salem Avenue and Jefferson Street. The school remained in these quarters until 1909, at which time it moved to Church Avenue quarters where Professor Coulter purchased the lot and built the building in which the Chamber of Commerce is now located. N. B. C. moved from that location in 1919 to its present location, which was built for the old Eagles Hall. By 1927 it was necessary to expand its quarters, which was done, occupying the southwest corner of Franklin Road and Jefferson Street. Its present home was especially planned for the purpose of the College at a cost of more than $300,000.
There is a completeness in detail, an adequateness in space which lends the atmosphere of a modern business office to all of its ten separate and distinct departments. In addition, there are the administrative and executive offices and club rooms which set it apart as no other business college in its territory.
The National Plan
The National Business College plan of two schools, one in the Secretarial Science and the other in Accounting and Business Administration, provides an opportunity for the student to secure the type and quality of training which will enable him to fit a definite employment need upon graduation.
The Diploma Courses in each of these schools is designed to fill such positions as stenographer, typist, file clerk or secretary in the School of Secretarial Science; bill clerk, store clerk, salesman, bookkeeper, junior accountant, and upon graduation from the Business Administration Courses, entitles the graduate to take the Certified Public Accountant’s examination as given in the State of Virginia.
The National Plan offers an intensive program permitting the completion of the required number of hours for a degree in two calendar years in either school, thus saving expenses and preparing one for work two years earlier. Its practical approach, its careful presentation and sound principles of application have assured National graduates for over half a century of a useful place in the business and economic world.
Student Activities
While meritorious work is glorified at National, the value of extra curricula interests is not forgotten. The school has set up a program of student activity wherein all factors converge in a helpful, cooperative spirit which breed the atmosphere in which successful men and women of today are developed. A contagious enthusiasm for work well done a warmth of friendship characterize the spirit of student activity at N. B. C. This activity is under the direction of the National Council of Standards, the ruling body of the student government of the National Business College.
Its athletic teams its student organizations and social groups furnish an opportunity to evaluate that most vital factor in the success of men and women today-personality.
The National Business College is proud of its past and is confident that its future will prove more useful to the economic, business, industrial, and social life of the territory and people which it serves.
-Prepared by Lisa King
