Peter Weddick Moore was born into a slave family. His mother, Alecy Thompson, who was denied the opportunity to read and write, made certain that all five of her children received a better education.
She made certain Moore was enrolled in a Freedmen’s Bureau-established school to begin his formal education. He later attended Sampson County’s Philosophian Academy. Moore’s passion for books and purpose is said to have been nurtured at the Academy by Burke Marable’s mentorship.
At the age of 20, he received certification to teach in a school near Clinton. In 1880, he paid for his education at Shaw University in Raleigh by working on a cotton farm in his spare time.
President H.M. Tupper, a Good Samaritan, noticed Moore’s unwavering passion for education and appointed him as a student instructor in 1882, allowing him to save money to pursue his dreams. Moore also worked at the campus brickyard and a nearby foundry.
Moore’s former colleague recalled how he was always on top of things and had a knack for science and mathematics in school.
Moore received his A.B. in 1887 and M.A. and LL.D. degrees from Shaw University in recognition of his contributions to education in the state. He taught for about a year in Bertie County before moving to State Normal School in Plymouth, where he rose to become the assistant principal. He spent four years at the State Normal School.
He was later appointed principal of the new State Normal School for Colored Children, which was later renamed Elizabeth City State University. He spent the rest of his working life as a university professor. The school relocated from the Rooks Turner building to a larger facility in 1894, and then to its current location.
Moore believed that education alone was insufficient for students’ holistic development, so he included moral education in their curriculum. He also emphasized the importance of students excelling in dignity. He is said to have used himself to model the integrity and uprightness he expected from others.
He also made certain that industrial training was included later in the curriculum to better prepare students for the labor market. Moore made certain that whatever training was provided did not result in underprepared students for society and the workplace.
Aside from his administrative duties, he was actively involved in teaching and supervising student practicals. When his health began to deteriorate in 1921, he was forced to take a step back. For him to remain a part of the system, the position of dean was created. John H. Bias was appointed as his assistant.
On May 25, 1928, he was appointed president emeritus of the university, and he was given a salary and a fully furnished apartment. He insisted, however, that he is permitted to teach classroom management courses.
In 1899, he married Symera T. Raynor of Windsor. They were the parents of two daughters. He was laid to rest in Elizabeth City’s Oak Grove Cemetery.
Moore accomplished all of the above despite his family’s tragedy. Moore was born near Faison in Duplin County to Weddick and Alecy Thompson Moore. Moore’s father is said to have been killed by the Ku Klux Klan during Reconstruction, leaving Alecy to care for the five children.