Oregon State University - Beaver Yearbook (Corvallis, OR)

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secured in the largest land-grant colleges of the East. From a position oi obscurity the Oregon Agricultural College has advanced to be one of the potent educational factors of the entire West. The marvelous progress made by the institution has been due to the executive ability and practical wisdom of Dr. Kerr. The Board of Regents of O. A. C. was not alone in recognizing the ability of this man. Some of the highest honors to lie gained have been awarded him. In 1910, he was elected president of the Association of American Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations, having previously been vice-president of that organization. The same year Dr. Kerr was vice-president of the National Educational Association, and a member of the executive Ixiard of the International Dry-Farming Congress. Among other organizations in which he has an active interest are the National Council of Education, American Mathematical Society. American Academy of Political and Social Sciences, Farmers' National Congress. American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Society for the Promotion of Industrial Education and the International League for Highway Improvement. A young man yet. Dr. Kerr has half of his life-time before him. to be spent in the interests of education, in the improvement and perfection of the industrial educational system of the state, in leading men and women to see the vast possibilities of life through higher education, and above all. in continuing to l e the guiding star to stalwart youth” at O. A. C. A. F. Mason. Jerry Hurley—“Yes, your name is in Hie C. ! ■ Journal:' [14]

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PRESIDENT WILLIAM JASPER KERR VERY venture undertaken by man must have at its helm a hand, upon the ability of which depends the ultimate success or failure of the en- terprise. The hand must be steady, reliable, cool in time of great stress, bold when assailed by danger, quick to grasp when opportunity offers advantage. Five years ago the Board of Regents cast about for a man upon whom to confer the task of guiding to its destiny a vast enterprise, at that time in mere infancy, but on the threshold of a new era. They sought a man of ability proven by deeds, a man whose dealings would command the admiration of his fellow-men. and the love and respect of the students. Records were searched, and careful investigations made. They chose Dr. William Jasper Kerr. A man of broad experience, extending through a period of twenty-two years of educational work. President Kerr was especially fitted to undertake the work at the Oregon Agricultural College. He came to O. A. C. in the prime of life, at forty-three years of age. having to his credit a training and experience that eminently fitted him for the duties of the position to which he was called. 1 le is an enthusiastic believer in the modern idea of education for which the land-grant institutions stand—that education should be adapted to life-need, and its advantages extended alike to all the people. The inspiration for this work was received while attending Cornell University, the land-grant institution of New York. After leaving Cornell, in a remarkable career, he rose rapidly from the position of instructor in mathematics, to the presidency of Brigham Young College, and later, of the University of Utah. After seven years of service in the latter institution he was made chief executive at O. A. C. Five years ago the Oregon Agricultural College was a struggling, i oorly equipped college. Under the direction of President Kerr, a policy of expansion was formulated, and the institution took a new lease on life. From a campus with nine buildings—the Administration, old Horticulture, and Gymnasium buildings, Alpha, Science, and Cauthorn Halls, the packing house, shops and barns, it has grown to lie one of the finest in the West. The Mechanic Arts, Dairy and Farm Mechanics buildings: Agricultural Hall, with the two wings, the Horticulture and Agronomy buildings: Waldo and Shepard Halls; the Armory, Stock-judging pavilion, and the new shops, are all the result of patient and persistent work on his part. The new structures are of most modern types, and are furnished with the latest and best equipment. With the new buildings has come a great advance in the courses. Not only were the established departments enlarged, but the scope of the curriculum has been widened until O. A. C offers nearly all of the advantages which can be f 13 j

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BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE OREGON AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AND EXPERIMENT STATION I Ion. J. K. Weatherford, President.............................Albany Hon. E. E. Wilson, Secretary..................................Portland Hon. B. F. Irvine, Treasurer..................................Portland EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Hon. Oswald West, Governor.......................................Salem Ho.v L. R. Alderman, Superintendent of Public Instruction........Salem Hon. Charles E. Spence, Master of State Grange...................Canby APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. Hon. John I). Olwell...........................................Medford Hon. William W. Cotton........................................Portland IIon. Walter M. Pierce.......................................La Grande Mrs. Clara H. Waldo.......................................... Portland Hon. E. E. Wilson.......................................Corvallis Hon. B. F. Irvine........................................Portland Hon. J. T. Apperson.........................................Park Place Hon. J. K. Weatherford..........................................Albany Hon. C. L. Hawley...........................................McCoy ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER OFFICERS. President..................... Director of Experiment Station Director of Extension......... Director of Summer School..., Business Manager.............. Recorder and Secretary........ Librarian..................... Registrar..................... ....William Jasper Kerr ......James Witiiycombe .....Ralph Dorn Hetzel .. .Edwin De Vore Ressler .....Clarence A. Dobell .William Arthur Jensen ....Tda Angei.ine Kidder Harold Manley Tennant [15]