Once ground was broken, Robert H. Wright was named President, students both male and female registered for classes in 1909, and initial buildings including Jarvis Dormitory, Old Austin, and the Refectory (Dining Hall) were constructed, the first graduation took place in May 1911. Students began publications, sports activities and developed an interest in theatre arts. With the initial graduation, this eastern normal school, officially called East Carolina Teachers Training School had begun to develop the qualities that would strengthen and grow through the years.
