Oral history with Professor N.R. Burger

              Oral history with Professor N. R. Burger
This oral history is provided through a cooperative project of University of Southern Mississippi Libraries and USM's Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage.
Funding provided by a National Leadership Grant for Libraries from the Institute for Museum and Library Services
The transcript is presented here for reference purposes only. Interviews in this collection are protected by copyright. PERMISSION TO PUBLISH MUST BE REQUESTED from the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage. Please call ( 601) 266- 4574 for more information.
Biography
Dr. N. R. Burger was born on April 7, 1909, in Brookhaven, Mississippi. His family moved to Hattiesburg when he was aged six, and he attended Hattiesburg public schools, graduating in 1928. He entered Alcorn College ( now Alcorn State University) in 1928, withdrew temporarily in 1930, and returned in 1932 to complete his degree. Dr. Burger later earned a Master's degree at Cornell University, where he was initiated into Phi Delta Kappa, and studied at New York University. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Prentiss Institute, where he served as a Trustee.
Dr. Burger taught mathematics at Magnolia, Mississippi, from 1934 to 1936. He served as principal at Hopewell Vocational School in Covington County from 1936 to 1940. In 1940 he accepted a position as principal of Eureka High School ( later Rowan High School), his alma mater, in Hattiesburg. Here Dr. Burger served until his retirement in 1974.
Dr. Burger was an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Jackson Graduate chapter; Hattiesburg Business Development Council; president of the Mississippi Principals Association for 8 years; treasurer, Hattiesburg Community Concert Association; and served as a member of the Resolutions Committee of the National Teachers Association. Dr. Burger organized the first Boy Scouts troop for blacks in South Mississippi and received the Silver Beaver Award from Boy Scouts of America. He was an active member of the Methodist church.
Dr. Burger was married to the former Addie W. Nelson. They are the parents of three sons and grandparents of six grandchildren. He died in 1984.
Table of Contents
I. Family Background and Childhood Reminiscences
II. Inspirational Leaders in Black Education
III. Educational Experiences at Alcorn College
IV. Teaching and Educational Administration
A. Pike County
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