Bettis Academy

Bettis Academy and Junior College, a private school for African Americans, was founded in 1881 by Rev. Alexander Bettis, a former slave who was taught to read by his owner's wife, but was never taught to write. A Baptist Minister, he established Bettis Academy based on religious principles and Christian character; and served as the school's president until his death on May 13, 1895. <br><br> Its beginning was a one-room frame structure with one teacher and a few students. In addition to its religious principles, the academy also emphasized teaching education and industrial training. The school was incorporated in 1889 and accredited as a junior college in 1933. When it closed in 1952, Bettis had 14 major buildings and some 350 acres of land.