Memphis State University - DeSoto Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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Mr. Seymour Allen Mynders, first presi- dent of Memphis State University, was graduated from the University of Tennes- see in 1880. receiving his B.A. degree. He was originator of the General Bill author- izing the establishment (if MSU and was responsible for nominating its first faculty and preparing its initial curriculum. He re- fused many honors in order that he might devote his time and life to the advancement of education in his native state. Dr. Andrew A. Kincannon, third presi- dent of MSU, was one of the early pro- moters for the Department of Education. Before becoming president of the school, he was head of the education department. He received his M.S. degree from the University of Tennessee and later obtained his UL.D. Dr. Kincannon was very active in the development of the educational fa- cilities of the state. Outstanding Mr. John Willard Brister, twice president of MSU, was graduated from Peabody College in Nashville in 1892 with a B.S. degree. In 1911 he was appointed State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and did much to further unify and systematize the work of the Tennessee public school system. He was connected with almost every form of educational activity known in the South. Through 50 Years

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Along with its elevation to the rank of university, Memphis State continued to add to its rapidly expanding phy- sical facilities. On November 24, 1958. at a convention of the nation ' s top geographers east of the Rocky Moun- tains. Johnson Hall, the new geography building, was officially dedicated. The building was named in honor of Dr. Rayburn W. Johnson who gave one hundred thousand dollars from his earnings as a professor toward con- struction of what has been described as the nation ' s best fully equipped geography building. Dr. Johnson was also named Professor of the Year. During 1959 Memphis State proved beyond a doubt that it had reached maturity and that the State Legisla- ture ' s confidence had not been mis- placed in the newly created university. Without the slightest sign of trouble or violence, eight Negro students en- rolled and quietly began classes in the fall. This unprecedented move was in accordance with the Supreme Court ' s decision of 1954. The year of 1959 also marked the end of President Smith ' s tenure as head of the institution. Forced to retire due to the age law, President Smith accepted a position as southeastern regional representative with the De- partment of Health, Education and Welfare. He was succeeded by Dr. C. C. Humphreys. Dr. Humphreys, the seventh man to occupy the president ' s chair at MSU, was the first man to be appointed whose academic career had been con- fined to the college and university level. All but one of his many years in education had been spent at Mem- phis State. 1912 Golden 1962 Sixties More recent expansion has been breathtaking in its scope and acceleration. The school year of 1960 and 61 saw two new buildings, Jones Hall and a Panhellenic building used for the first time, and 1961 to 62 saw three more structures under construction: a women ' s dormitory, Smith Hall, now completed; a men ' s dormitory, and a business administration building. Also significant has been the establishment on campus of educational television station WKNO and the Goodwyn Institute lecture series. The entire city of Memphis is watching with pride as MSU makes new strides, not only in the college plant and in increased academic activity, but its steady climb toward the big game in the national sports world. The institution which Dr. Humphreys serves as president is a far cry from the school which rose in 1912 upon the ground of an old plantation. From three buildings to twenty-one, plus veteran housing; from an enrollment of two hundred to almost 7,000; from a faculty of seventeen to two hundred-fifty six; from nine departments to five schools, with nineteen departments in one school alone. The harvest has been great, but the world is more than ever in need of an abundant crop of educated men and women to lead and teach and guide the multitudes. Memphis State ' s job has only begun. Those who know and love MSU are confident, however, that the attainments of the next fifty years will more than match the progress of the past.

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Leaders Dr. Richard Jones, fourth president of MSU, attended school at Harvard and later received his B.A. degree at the University of Tennessee in 1929. He earned his M.A. from Peabody and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Dr. Jones had eight- een years of educational experience before he became president of MSU. He was dean of the school under President Blister, and became president at Mr. Brister ' s death. of m ' Dr. Jennings B. Sanders, fifth president of MSU. was awarded his A.B. degree upon graduation from Franklin College, Franklin. Indiana, and in 1925 sained an A.M. degree from the University of Chi- cago. In 1928 he received his Ph.D. from the same institution. As president of MSU, Dr. Sanders succeeded in setting it rein- stated as a member of the Southern Asso- ciation of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Progress ar £ [ V : Mr. Jack Millard Smith, sixth president of MSU. received his B.A. at Memphis State in 1929. and his M.A. from Peabody College in 1930. Mr. Smith was principal of Training School. Dean of MSC. State Commissioner of Education. President of TPI, Director of Instruction of Memphis Public Schools, and is now President Emeritus of Memphis State. Dr. Cecil C. Humphreys, current presi- dent of MSU, earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Tennessee, and received his Doctorate from New York University. Since his graduation from NYU. Dr. Humphreys has spent most of his life at MSU. His only absence from this institution was one year spent teaching at UT Martin Branch, and with the FBI. 17 ■i-i