Wilberforce University

education in the 1865-1866 academic year. Solid professional teaching staff was not stable again until the 1866-1867 academic year when Payne brought in three white teachers: William Kent from England to teach science, Suliot from Scotland to teach mathematics, Latin, and French, and the return of Sarah J. Woodson to teach English and Latin. Kent was a graduate of Oxford University and Suliot, a French-born Quaker, was a graduate of the University of Edinburgh.
Payne went to his network to appeal for aid in rebuilding the college; including support from the AME Church, private individuals, and charitable organizations. Large recurring annual donations were given to the school by the Society for the Promotion of Collegiate Theological Education and the American Unitarian Association. Additionally, Salmon P. Chase, then Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and Charles Avery from Pittsburgh each contributed $10,000 to rebuild the college. Mary E. Monroe, another white supporter, contributed $4200. …