John Henry Bias

Dr. John Henry Bias (June 11, 1879 – July 15, 1939) was cofounder and second president of Elizabeth City State University. He was a Missouri native who held many administrative educational roles. He is responsible for the four-year baccalaureate accreditation of Elizabeth City State University.

Early life John Henry Bias was born on June 11, 1879, in Palmyra, Missouri. His parents were James W. Bias, a Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad employee, and Dinah Arnold Bias, a Kentucky native who moved to Missouri before the Civil war. Bias attended public school in Marion County, Missouri before attending Lincoln Institute in Jefferson City, Missouri. He graduated from the Lincoln Institute with a B.S.D and A.B. degree in 1901. He then attended the University of Chicago for two and a half years for post-graduate work.

Career Bias returned to the Lincoln Institute for the 1903–1904 school year to teach mathematics and drawing. In 1904, he became a professor of mathematics and science at Elizabeth City State Normal School where he remained until 1910. He embraced the importance of training students to make meaningful contributions in a free, Democratic society. He spearheaded the upgrade of the institution.

ECSU celebrates Bias and other founders annually. Donnice Brown, Bias' great-granddaughter, was the keynote speaker at the 123rd anniversary celebration in 2014.

Personal life Bias married Frances Lenora Lane, a Kansas native whom he met at Lincoln, on August 30, 1907.