Birmingham Southern College - Southern Accent Yearbook (Birmingham, AL)

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Dr. Bailey Retires In a Genius Class by Himself. By John E. Norris If there is one person on the Hilltop who may truly be called an institution it is Professor Paul C. Bailey. Professor Bailey has taught biology at ' Southern for the past eighteen years, seven of which he spent as Dean of the College. As the professor of general biology for the past several years, Dr. Bailey has become almost a legend among bi- ology majors and non-majors alike. Students are amused by his country ac- cent and his relaxed classroom slouch during complex lectures he delivers from memory in a tone of voice which suggests that all children must learn this easy stuff right after the ABC ' s; stu- dents are not so amused with his fam- ous multiple-multiple choice finals, tests which cause many freshmen to pitch their first all-nighter in college. As the year ends, however. Dr. Bai- ley will retire and then return in the fall as Professor Emeritus, teaching a non-major biology course every semes- ter for at least the next few semesters. Although we are glad that he will at least be around for a while, it is with great sadness that we witness the end of his full-time teaching career. Dr. Bailey ' s first interest in biology emerged during his early years as he grew up on a farm in Northern Alabama. Being a farm-boy, I think it was sort of natural that I should be in- terested in biology, he says. After re- ceiving his bachelor of science in biolo- gy from Jacksonville State University, Dr. Bailey applied and was accepted to what is now the Emory University Dental School. Due to unusual circumstances brought on by World War II, however, his enrollment was delayed for one year. During that year. Dr. Bailey discovered his love for teaching as a graduate student at Vanderbilt. Instead of going on to dental school as he had planned, Dr. Bailey ended up earning both his master ' s and doctorate in bio- logy at Vanderbilt. Afterwards, he taught for a short time in a public school, then he moved on to Montevallo, where he taught for fifteen years before his arrival at BSC. Although Dr. Bailey has displayed great interest and talent in teaching, he has also made great accomplishments in another area — genetic research. Over several summers at genetics labo- ratories. Dr. Bailey bred a strain of while mice which are extremely useful in tumor research. Dr. Bailey reminisces, I started off with a single pair of white mice I bought in a pet store in Birmingham. After 50 genera- tions of inbreeding every animal in that colony — and it never failed — every one developed cancer of the lymph nodes. Now called PBA ' s (Paul Bailey Albinos), these little boogers are used in cancer research throughout the world. Despite these lofty accomplishments. Dr. Bailey remains one of the most personable and down-to-earth professors at the college, his gentle country mannerisms parodied affec- tionately at student-sponsored campus events. His students and colleagues alike will sorely miss his daily presence at the College, but they will be glad to see him return for a few days each week. In the meantime. Dr. Bailey will be content to tend to his farm in his hometown of Baileyton. 22 — Academics Dr. Bailey spends registration day aiding bioiogy ma;ors with their choice of classes.

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Dean PenfieH gives insigh! to graduating seniors with his opening remartcs at Honors Day. Dean Penfield manages to take time out of his daiJy duties to en- joy the International Food Festi- val. Fighting a loosing battle, Dean PenfieJd works hard to cJear his desk of the tons of paper work that pass each day. The Man of many faces, Dean PenfieJd and Doctor Helmi mo- mentarily interrupt their con- versation to pose for the camera. Dean Penfield— 21

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Dr. Baiiey makes frequent stops on his daily waJks to chat with passing students. Dr. Bailey ' s office door is aJways open to aid the stray theater ma- jor who ended up in biology with pre-meds. A classic. This picture appeared in Dr. Baily ' s retirement program and typifies his keen sense of humor. Dr. Bailey— 23