Professor Paul J. Moore Endowed Scholarship

Professor Paul J. Moore
Chairman of the West Virginia State University Chemistry Department (1935-1971)

As the Department’s primary instructor of General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, he was renowned, among students majoring in a variety of disciplines, for his strictness and insistence on fine academic performance regardless of the students’ pre-conceived notions of their abilities. Ultimately “Prof Moore” as he was affectionately known, was much beloved by graduates—even athletes—for having mentored and guided them to success, irrespective of their academic major.

As Department Chair he fostered the growth of the department’s staff. He also designed and oversaw the move of the classrooms and laboratories from the old Administration Building (now Ferrell Hall) to the current building. He was active in the local chapter of the American Chemical Society, receiving awards for his activities. One of his signature achievements was the bridge he forged with the research establishment in the local chemical industry. Especially after integration in 1954, he was responsible for hiring industrial chemists, to serve as evening- and weekend-instructors, thereby fortifying and expanding the department’s class offerings.

After retirement, he maintained his connections to industrial research chemists who by then had become friends and established parts of the University community.

Paul Moore was the fourth of five children born to a Methodist minister and his wife, a caterer. All five attended college. Several achieved professional distinction, including a sister who was one of the first Black women to be admitted to the bar in California.

After spending his early life in Pasadena, California, Moore attended the University of Southern California where he played on the football team and graduated with a BS in Chemistry in 1922. He received a Masters degree in Pharmacy from USC in 1923. His first academic appointment was at Virginia State College in Petersburg, VA, where he was an instructor for two years. He came to West Virginia State College in 1925 as an instructor and rose to become Professor of Chemistry and, Department Chairman in 1935. He held this position until his retirement in 1971.

Among the unusual aspects of Moore’s interests beyond chemistry was comparative religion—he loved to debate those who thought him, an acknowledged agnostic, uninformed. Most challengers learned not to repeat this mistake. Other interests were astronomy, football, boxing, gardening and jewelry design (executed with assistance of a dental fabricator). Perhaps the most evident of his interests was clothing, for himself. He wore mostly bespoke suits and shirts made in collaboration with local tailors. Because of this, and his 6’ 2” and 200 lb frame, he always presented an imposing, stylish figure.

When he died at age 89, he was survived by his wife of 40 years, his chemist stepson, and a large group of accomplished persons who could attribute much of their success to his guidance and inspiration. Prof Moore's was an extraordinary, exemplary life well lived.