The Averett Name

The Averett family of Halifax County, Virginia, gave more than a name to the Baptist affiliated school in Danville now known as Averett University.

Eight members of this family of educators provided the backbone of support for progress and expansion of a small school for girls that has grown into a graduate level institution.

From 1858 until 1910 the Averetts gave their educational expertise, faithful years of service, management skills and financial backing to the betterment of the institution.

The school once named for the Roanoke Baptist association was renamed Averett College in 1917, and retained the Averett family name when it became a university in 2002.

The Averett Family

Principal, 1858-1863
Averett, Jane Elizabeth

Jane Elizabeth Averett and her husband, Nathan Penick were from Halifax County, Virginia. In 1858 they moved to Danville where Penick and one of Jane's brothers revived the school for Baptist girls that had been begun by William Isaac Berryman in his home on Patton Street. Their Baptist Female Seminary was chartered in December of 1859 as the Union Female College.

Teachers: 1859-1861
Averett, Joseph James
Averett, Rosa Celeste

In 1859 Joseph James Averett and his wife moved to Danville from Halifax County, Virginia, as faculty of the Baptist Female Seminary and to assist his brother-in-law, Nathan Penick in the operation of the school. He taught higher mathematics, natural science, and languages; she taught music.

Teacher/Principal, 1872-1887
Averett, Samuel Wootton

In 1872 Samuel Wootton Averett and his family moved to Danville from Culpeper, Virginia. Serving as co-principal and teacher, he remained at the Roanoke Female College for fifteen years teaching modern language, mathematics, and natural science. In 1887 he left to become president of Judson College in Alabama.

Trustee/Teacher/Principal/President, 1859/1873-1892
Averett, John Taylor

In 1859 John Taylor Averett served on the original Board of Trustees of the Union Female College. In 1873 he and his brother Samuel were appointed co-principals of Roanoke Female College. John T. Averett taught ancient languages, English, history, and moral philosophy. When his brother left in 1887, John T. Averett became the first President of the College. He retired in 1892.

Teachers/Alumnae, 1873-1890
Averett, Martha E. "Pattie"
Averett, Janie Wootton

Two daughters of John T. Averett served as teachers at Roanoke Female College. "Miss Pattie" taught music and English from 1873 to 1890. "Miss Janie" taught domestic science from 1878 to 1885. Both ladies received their education from Roanoke Female College, Pattie graduating in 1871 and Janie in 1890. Pattie Averett was a charter member of the Alumnae Association that was founded in 1908.

Trustee, 1898-1910
Averett, William Penick

William Penick Averett, son of John T. Averett, was a member of the Board of Trustees of Roanoke Female College from 1898 to 1910.

The Averett Family Tree (PDF)

For more information, contact Mrs. Clara Fountain, Archivist
clara.fountain@averett.edu; 434-791-5695