Atkins High School located at Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, was dedicated on April 2, 1931, as a facility for African American students.

Dr. Atkins was the organizer, secretary, and agent of the board that started Slater Industrial Academy in 1892, now Winston–Salem State University.

As Slater Industrial Academy grew, the demands upon Dr. Atkins' leadership and direction increased.

[2] Julius Rosenwald was a president of Sears Roebuck who was noted for supporting black schools throughout the south.

The first principal was John Carter, who had previously been a professor at Winston-Salem Teacher's College.