by Riley Blankenship

For almost four decades, Dr. Victor Archibong has been a staple of Greensboro College as  a professor, mentor and the very architect of the political science department. As he prepares to retire after 37 years of teaching, his story is one not just of academic dedication, but of resilience, integrity and unwavering commitment to students. The Collegian had the wonderful opportunity to sit down and speak with Archibong on his incredible trek.

Archibong’s path to Greensboro began in Nigeria, where his love for politics was sparked early on by his father. “My father loved watching the news,” he recalled. “We would talk about what was happening in the world.” His curiosity became a lifelong passion – after fighting in the Nigerian Civil War during the late 1960s, he went after educational opportunities abroad and was inspired by the kindness of an American Peace Officer. He chose to study in the United States, drawn by its flexibility in education, eventually graduating from the University of Kansas in under three years.

His experience in the U.S. is highlighted by both generosity and discrimination. “It was the first time I saw the friction between black and white,” he said. He recounted a painful memory when someone once threw a cup of hot coffee at him while shouting a racial slur. Despite these challenges, he pressed on.

In the 1980s, while completing his doctoral dissertation in Petersburg, Virginia, he happened upon Greensboro College during a visit. “I stayed at a hotel where I could see the campus — it was beautiful, and I was impressed by the Methodist heritage.” He noticed an open position in political science and applied. Though the college did not have a legal administration department yet, Archibong’s versatile background allowed him to wear multiple hats. In time, he built the political science department from the ground up, introducing legal administration as a minor.

For him, Greensboro College quickly became more than a workplace. “What has made this place home are the people — very caring people,” he said. “There have been ups and downs, but I feel loyalty to this college.”

Among his proudest accomplishments are the students. “It is rewarding when they say, ‘Thank you for your work,’ or when they stay after class to talk about life or current events.” In his early years at GC, he fondly remembers students coming by his office regularly after his 9:30 a.m. lecture to discuss current events, life and whatever topics came up.

Archibong has also been a leader in enriching students’ worldviews. He took students to places like the United Nations Security Council, Ellis Island and New York City to expand their global perspectives. Many of his former students have gone on to successful careers, with some even serving on Greensboro College’s Board of Trustees.

When asked what he hopes students take from his classes, his message is clear, “Ask questions. Challenge the status quo. Do not take things for granted.”

What about his favorite topic to teach? Human rights. “It lights up the classroom — it is complex and engaging,” he said.

Looking at how students have changed over the years, Archibong highlighted that earlier generations were often more involved in student government, which he believes helps develop leadership skills. He framed this observation not as a criticism of students, but more as encouragement for students to take ownership of their college experience.

Over the decades, Archibong has witnessed the shifting tides of college life — from the evolution of political science as a discipline to broader societal changes reflected on campus. He speaks candidly but thoughtfully about one modern trend in higher education: the increasing emphasis on athletics.

While acknowledging the value sports bring to student life and community spirit, Archibong believes that institutions, not just Greensboro College but across the country, have sometimes leaned too heavily on athletics, often at the expense of academic rigor. “There is no major in football,” he said with a gentle smile, “but there are majors in academics.” His words are not meant as criticism of student-athletes themselves — many of whom he has proudly taught — but rather a reminder of the foundational purpose of higher education: the pursuit of knowledge and critical thinking.

His commitment to academic excellence was embodied through his efforts in founding the political science department at Greensboro College, a program that has not only flourished, but profoundly shaped the lives and careers of countless students.

Looking beyond campus, Archibong reflected on the state of today’s society. “This is a deeply divided world,” he said sadly, noting that the polarization he sees now was something he once hoped he would not have to witness again. Yet even in this climate, his continuation message to students remains one of hope, growth, and the power of seeking knowledge.

As retirement nears, Archibong isn’t slowing down. He plans to split his time between the U.S. and Nigeria, giving back to both countries. In Nigeria, he plans to practice law part-time and get back into farming. “I have been blessed to be here, and I want to give back.”

 “Seek knowledge and do not take things for granted. The road to righteousness is rough and crooked,” he said, when asked about his final words of advice. “Knowledge is like a machete — if you are in the jungle and you have your machete; you can cut branches with it.”

Dr. Victor Archibong’s impact on Greensboro College will not end with his retirement. Though the campus will no longer be home to his daily lectures, his influence will echo in every classroom discussion, every inspired student and every political science major who follows the path he paved.