Texas A and M University - Aggieland Yearbook (College Station, TX)

Page 31 text:

O ACK in the early seventies of the past century, an agricultural school was nothing, more or less, than a farm. Although there were some classes, they were of a classical nature. There was no technical literature pertaining to the study of agriculture, or its kindred subjects. Now, in the School of Agriculture, are found the following departments: Agricultural Economics Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Husbandry, Entomology’ Forestry, Genetics, Horticulture, and Poultry Husbandry. Students have their choice of the following four-year courses: Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, and Landscape Art. A non-collegiate two-year course in Agriculture is also offered. It has been only a comparatively short while since agriculture had no appeal as a profession. In fact, so recent has been its recognition, that few people consider it as such. Consider the man who has attended college four years, and who has studied highly technical subjects to prepare himself for the life and work of a farmer, rancher, teacher, county-agent, governmental agri¬ cultural specialist, agricultural research worker, or even as a banker or merchant in an agricul¬ tural district. He is as much a member of a profession as the physician, lawyer, or engineer- The time is fast approaching when as much dignity and prestige will surround his profession as surrounds those just mentioned. Many a farm boy has come to college to study agriculture, thinking that, because of the fact that the farm was all he knew, he would have an easy time. He has been completely dis¬ illusioned, and made to feel the depths of his ignorance, by the time he has completed his course of study. Because of the fact that he is made to realize his shortcomings, and is encouraged to increase his knowledge of the vital subjects, he is made a much more contented and useful citizen than he would have been otherwise. It is interesting to note that the graduates in agriculture are more likely to remain in Texas than those of some of the other schools, for they have their widest field of opportunity here. Texas needs them, recognizes the need, and is willing to pay for their services. Tl

Page 30 text:

. -Ml Dean Charles Puryear, M. A., C. E., LL. D. A FACTOR of increasing importance in the status of A. and M. College is the Gradu- -lxl. ate School, which, under the organization of 1924, has its own faculty and dean. Students are enrolled who are graduates of many colleges and universities, for the pre¬ requisite is a degree from an approved institution in which the student must have made a high record in his undergraduate work. The Graduate School confers the degree of Master of Science in Agricultural Ad¬ ministration, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Archi¬ tecture, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, and Industrial Education. Professional degrees in engineering—Chemical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer—are offered on the basis of acceptable professional experience, a thesis, and an examination. Dean Puryear also acts as the Dean of the College and as head of the Department of Mathematics. Probably many of the class will remember him for his now famous sente ' nce, “Put it in writing,” but all will confess that he judges with impartiality and with fairness. The mere fact that he has long been called, among the students, of course, by a nickname, is proof of the high esteem in which he is held. We shall all remember him for the calm, immaculate gentleman that he is.

Page 32 text:

IP ' HE School of Arts and Sciences embraces the following departments of the College: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Geology, History, Mathematics, Military Science, Modern Languages, Physical Education, and Physics. The School of Arts and Sciences is the one school with which every student comes in contact. The subjects offered are the basic ones for every course approved by the faculty. Then, to those whose temperaments require cultural study, as well as their specialized studies, this school is the one to which they must go. Not only do all of the students spend some of their time in this school, but it is also here that some of the students spend all of their time. The four-year course in Science is intended for those interested in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics. Then, there is a four-year course in Liberal Arts that is offered for the benefit of those students who wish the more cultural subjects. It is of interest to note that the enrollment in this school is steadily increasing, which is evidence of its increasing value in the organization of the college. Page 2 b I A3 .V. '