Arkansas Tech University - Agricola Yearbook (Russellville, AR)

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Gerald Edgar joined the Tech faculty and staff in 1957 as a journalism instructor and news bureau director. Now an associate professor of journalism he continues to direct the news bureau and is faculty advisor for the student newspaper, The Arka-Tech, and yearbook, Agricola. Edgar holds a bachelor’s degree from York (Nebraska) College. He received his master’s degree from the University of Kansas at Lawrence in 1950. Prior t o his employment by Tech, Edgar was a reporter for the Minneapolis Messenger from March, 1950 to September, 1957. He served three years as a fighter pilot for the U.S. Air Force in World War II. Edgar was chosen this year by the ATU Association to receive the Distinguished Service Award, the Universisty’s highest honor for a non-alumnus. A banquet was held to honor Edgar at Chambers Cafeteria. He was also honored during ATU’s Homecoming Weekend November 15 for his outstanding service to the University. Center: Mr. ‘‘E’’ traveling the well beaten path between his News Bureau and Agricola offices. Below: Edgar is the master of cameras of all models, shapes and sizes. Bottom center: Mr. ‘ E”’ is never seen without his camera. Bottom right: ‘‘First of all I would like to thank the Academy...’’ Opposite page left: Mounds of paper-work are no problem from Mr. ‘‘E.’’ Op- posite page right: Did you know that Edgar was a fighter pilot in WWII?

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After 28 years of teaching students, advising the student newspaper and yearbook, taking most of the pictures for the annual, directing the news bureau, meeting deadlines and classes, Gerald Edgar is retiring from Arkansas Tech. According to Travis Adams, Vice President of Student Affairs, Edgar is usually the first per- son on campus in the morning and the last to one to leave. ‘‘It will take five peole to fill the job that Gerald Edgar has done for 28 years,’’ said Adams. Edgar is known for being in two places at one time. You may see him in Witherspoon one minute and then walk into the news bureau of- fice and he will be sitting at his desk. The students have always come first with Edgar. He goes to great lengths to help each and every one. Many of his former students had plen- ty of good things to say about Edgar. Roy Campbell, Director of Publicity at Yeshive University in New York City and former student of Edgar’s in the early 1970’s, said, ‘‘When I taught journalism classes, I found myself saying things that Gerald Edgar had once said in classes I had taken. I even found myself carrying my lecture notes in my coat pocket as he did. Today, as a publicist for a university, I find myself again thinking of Mr. Edgar as I look at the over-population of paper on my desk and talk about marketing articles to various newspapers. But the thing I remember most about Mr. Edgar was his patience.”’ The list of compliments on Edgar goes on. He had a huge impact on many of his students. For instance, Jimmie Dunn, a journalism teacher at Wickes, Arkansas and a 1968 graduate of Edgar’s, said, ‘‘I will never forget his bow ties or his smile. Without his help, I might not be here today. As far as I am concerned, a salute to Mr. Edgar is performed everytime I help a student, and perhaps that is the greatest salute of all--to pass on a man’s philosophy and work. I am proud to say he was my teacher. Thank- you Mr. Edgar--for everything.”’ Here’s what another student of Edgar’s had to say: ‘‘It has been 10 years since I graduated from Arkansas Tech and hardly a day goes by that I don’t think of him,’’ said Neal Pankey, com- munications teacher at White River Vocational- Technical School at Newport. ‘‘Mr. Edgar was the type of man who could be your advisor and also your friend. He always had time for his students and enjoyed the work he was doing. 1 have tried to be like Mr. Edgar and have found it very difficult. Not many people can find time to teach, be an advisor to the student newspaper and yearbook and handle public relations for the university. His retirement will leave-a void at ATU.”’ It’s easy to see that Gerald Edgar has been much more than a teacher. He has chosen to spend 28 years of his life dedicated to helping students better themselves and preparing them for what the world has in store. Gerald Edgar will definately be missed by all his students, past and present. Thanks Mr. ‘‘E.”’ Below: Mr. Edgar works hard to meet deadline. Bottom: Mr. ‘‘E’’ is always willing to lend a helping hand.