Memphis State University - DeSoto Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

Page 6 text:

Hi, Folks, Tim ' s back . . . Well, another year has rolled around and rolling right on in with our 1953 DeSoto is Timothy Tiger, returning from last year ' s warm reception. Yes, Tim thinks Memphis State is a pretty swell college and as you can see from the cover our talented tiger is painting a bright future for good ole MSC. You might say that Tim couldn ' t wait for the handwriting on the wall, so he took the situation in hand and put it there himself. Also, in reference to the color of the cover, we must admit young Tim had a hand in that, too. It ' s all due to this modern jive, or Be-bop era. You see, Timothy being a tiger is a real Cat — hence that crazy red cover. Our striped buddy really enjoys himself as he roams through the DeSoto this year — we hope you will, too. Sincerely, Jke d-)e S oto J ta.

Page 8 text:

}} President J. M. Jack Smith Progress and Expansion J. M. Jack Smith became president of Mem- phis State College in 1946 and since that time Progress and Expansion has been the theme guiding this institution to higher and higher achievements. Prior to taking over the helm at M.S.G., Presi- dent Smith served two years as head of Tennessee Polytechnic Institute, was director of instruction for Memphis City Schools between 1940 and 1946, was Tennessee Commissioner of Education one year (he served again in 1950 while on leave of absence from M.S.C.) and taught in schools in the state between 1915 and 1930. President Smith can well recall his early teach- ing days when he had charge of a one-room, one- teacher school in rural Hardin County, handling 35 students and receiving $35 monthly. Progress and Expansion can be shown in the expanding campus — many changes have been made on this 80-acre area. The new Student Cen- ter and Cafeteria, built in 1952, have become the popular places to be and to meet your fellow classmates. The Administration Building and the Science Hall received additions. A new men ' s Dormitory, Hayden Hall, was completed in 1952 as were changes in the former cafeteria section where the Air Force R.O.T.C. unit now resides. The new gymnasium was completed in time for commencement in 1951 and was able to handle thousands of basketball fans the following year. The Training School was enlarged to care for ever-increasing enrollment. And many old timers will recall that the Tiger Den was formerly in the basement of the Admin- istration Building — but no longer — this has given way to brightly-lighted classrooms and offices. The Girls ' Dormitory also has received the remodeling treatment. The older Boys ' Dorm was remodeled and renamed Scates Hall. The Veterans Village was built on the campus to provide for 75 families of World War II vet- erans. To provide for the enlarged student body and the expanding class offerings at the College, the library was doubled, with more facilities for stor- ing books and more space for students to study in. And air-conditioning is promised, so hot-weather students can concentrate in comfort. Mrs. Smith