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Rocky Mount, N.C.—North Carolina Wesleyan College mourns the passing of the Reverend Dr. Thomas A. Collins, first president of Wesleyan, on Monday, December 12, at Duke University Hospital, following a stroke on December 11. He was 84.

Dr. Collins had been in good health and, with his wife, Anna, was an annual visitor to Wesleyan’s Founders’ Day. He and Mrs. Collins had attended that event most recently last October.

A celebration of thanksgiving for his life will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 4801 Six Forks Road in Raleigh, at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 15. Everyone is invited to visit with the family at a reception immediately following the service.

Dr. Collins is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anna Galloway Collins, four children, nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Dr. Collins was named first president of North Carolina Wesleyan College in 1959 and served as president for 16 years, until 1975. At the groundbreaking for the College, Dr. Collins expressed with alliteration the great sense of accomplishment of all involved with its creation: "Plans, pledges, and prayers of patient patrons produce progress. As you read these words, dreams have become reality." At his inauguration on October 25, 1961, five years to the day after Wesleyan was officially chartered by the State of North Carolina, Dr. Collins pledged himself to see "that the torchlight of truth may be kept burning with increasing brightness."

Under Dr. Collins’ leadership as Wesleyan’s president, capital investments totaling approximately $2 million made possible the construction of the College’s main buildings on the 200-acre site donated by the M.C. Braswell heirs of Rocky Mount. In 1964, 33 students received their degrees at Wesleyan’s first commencement. The next decade saw the completion of principal construction on campus as well as the addition of Everett Gymnasium, the Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall Library, and Spruill Infirmary. One of the first residence halls at Wesleyan, Collins Hall, is named in his honor.

Dr. Collins’ wisdom, humor, and dedication to the Lord inspired and touched many lives throughout his 61 years as a Methodist minister in the North Carolina Conference. He served as pastor in eight churches and was Secretary of the Board of Missions of The United Methodist Church, during which time he established more than 72 new churches. He served as assistant to the Bishop and Cabinet for Extension and Church Development, and as District Superintendent of the Raleigh District. Earlier, he served pastorates in Atlanta, Raleigh, and Gatesville, N.C.

He was active in the Kiwanis Club, Youth for Christ, and in leadership roles in many civic organizations, and was in great demand as a speaker.

Dr. Collins earned his A.B. degree at Asbury College and his B.D. at Candler School of Theology at Emory University and at Asbury Theological Seminary.

His family suggests that contributions may be sent to an organization that exemplifies his passion for missions, The Mission Society, 6234 Crooked Creek Road, Norcross, GA 30092.

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