Questions to Consider

Football played a unique role in shaping notions of collective identity in the 1930s at North Carolina State College. Here are some questions to help you reflect on the issues brought up in this exhibit.

  • Why do you think some administrators and alumni were so opposed to Northerners at NC State? Why do you think some students felt differently?
  • Why do you think others felt just as strongly about maintaining an identity that was distinct from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
  • Eventually, the Faculty Council decided not to renew the contract of coach Heartley Anderson. What do you think their reasons for this were?
  • Do you agree with the editorial that argued that the regional identity of a team only mattered if it did not win games?
  • Many alumni felt that a successful football team was an important factor in encouraging alumni to maintain a strong relationship with NC State. Why was this important? Does football still play this role today?
Questions to Consider