Tom Snipes oral history interview, 1993 February 25

Tom Snipes describes his early upbringing in Kannapolis and Raleigh, North Carolina in an autocratic, yet loving home run by his disciplinarian father. He recalls the challenges of growing up during the Depression in a large family with meager resources, and the strong role religion played in his life. Mr. Snipes explains that he experienced early hardships in school due to an eye disorder, but he did not let these obstacles deter him from achieving success as a student and ultimately earning a doctoral degree in education. Mr. Snipes describes his efforts as chairman of the department of psychology at Appalachian State University to develop and expand the university's degree programs and improve its reputation throughout the state. He also discusses his views about race relations in the South. Mr. Snipes explains that while he accepts most facets of racial equality, he acknowledges that he still maintains some of his prejudicial beliefs learned early in life, such as his disapproval of interracial marriage.