Dr. Al Mogor was a respected educator, humanitarian and world traveler. Mogor grew up in Berea, Ohio. After graduating from Berea High School he earned his undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology from Kent State University. He went on to earn a Master’s in psychology from New Mexico State University, and his Ph.D. in higher education from North Texas State University. Dr. Mogor began his career with Tarrant County College (then Tarrant county Junior College) in 1970. He taught sociology and anthropology at the Northeast campus for over 30 years. Dr. Mogor traveled extensively throughout Africa, Asia, South America and the South Pacific. He collected artifacts from 25 countries for instructional use; he was also an accomplished photographer. He considered the preservation of the folkways and histories of indigenous peoples his avocation. When Dr. Mogor died in 2002, his family donated his collection to the College.
The Mogor collection consist of 588 artifacts form 25 countries, as well an extensive collection of photographs and color slides documenting his travels. The artifacts include objects of ritual and ceremonial significance; clothing, tools, weapons; objects of artistic significance such as masks, jewelry and various ornaments. The photographs and color slide programs Dr. Mogor created for use in his class room provide a fascinating window into the lives of indigenous societies throughout the world.