Memphis University School - Owl Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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Memphis University School is indeed fortunate in having MR. JERRY PETERS on its faculty. Mr. Peters graduated from Southv estern College in 1960, re- ceiving his B.A. in political science. He received his M.A. degree from Memphis State University in 1962. Having come to M.U.S. in 1960, Mr. Peters has proved to be invaluable in numerous v ays. As well as teaching the course in United States Govern- ment, and one in mathematics, he is a physical edu- cation coach and Junior High Athletic Director. He has coached varsity track and junior high football. He coached the junior high basketball team to a county championship v ith a 12-0 record. In college he played basketball and baseball; he is a member of the Memphis Track Club. Another laurel in Mr. Peter ' s athletic wreath was his membership in the two-mile relay team of West Tennessee in 1955, and of the Mid-South in 1 956. MR. CARL PATTERSON came to M.U.S. after his graduation from Memphis State University, where he studied for four years and received his M.A. in education. Mr. Patterson played basketball during high school and attended Memphis State on an ath- letic scholarship. In 1959 he arrived at M.U.S. and since then he has taught history, health, and Bible in the lower grades. During the summer, he worked with the boys at the M.U.S. DAY CAMP basketball clinic and was an instructor in other fields at the camp. During his first two years at M.U.S. Mr. Pat- terson coached junior high basketball. Last year he took over coaching the varsity team which this year had the most successful season in school history finishing with a 24-2 record and a county cham- pionship. 17

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DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCES The MUS Department of Social Science is comprised of four teachers. The chairman, Mr. Leigh Mac- Queen, Mr. Jerry Peters, Mr. Carl Patterson, and Mr. Edward Bland. A student ' s social science educa- tion begins in the seventh and eighth grades with Mr. Bland teaching Tennessee history and Mr. Pat- terson ' s American history. The high school students are required to take American history, either as juniors or seniors. At the present time juniors are offered the opportunity to take senior type Ad- vanced Placement Course. Other elective courses in this field are World History, taught by Mr. Mac- Queen, U. S. Government, taught by Mr. Peters,- and Russian History and Government taught jointly by Messrs. MacQueen and Peters. The Russian History and Government course is unique in this area. It is a study in the comparative governments of the U. S. and the U.S.S.R. with emphasis upon modern Soviet life, as well as of Russian History. MR. LEIGH MACQUEEN, as head of the MUS Department of History has taught U.S. History, World History, Modern European History, and Russian History. Mr. MacQueen ' s dynamic lec- turing has made what could be a dull course a very interesting one. His lectures, which were carefully prepared during a whole summer, hold the interest of his students and also transmit many bits of information that a textbook course would not offer, such as Mr. MacQueen ' s lec- tures on the Atlantic Cable, Lincoln ' s Assassi- nation, and Grover Cleveland ' s Operation. Mr. MacQueen received his B.A. from South- western College in 1955, and has done grad- uate work at Vanderbilt University and Memphis State University. Before coming to MUS Mr. MacQueen taught at Presbyterian Day School, where he was director of Athletics and Chair- man of the Departments of History and Science. Mr. MacQueen taught a new course in Russian history, and did his usual excellent job in mak- ing the course come alive. Along with his teach- ing duties Mr. MacQueen is Assistant advisor to the annual staff and is head of the Advanced Placement Program at MUS. 16

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DEPARTMENTS OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS AAUS offers a wide choice of science and math courses for its students. After the general science courses of the lower grades, the student is offered high school level or advanced placement courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. The well-equipped labs provide excellent background for college level work. The student is offered an advanced math program starting in the eighth grade. Eighth grade students are allowed to take first year algebra and thus finish the normal four year high school math study in the eleventh grade. As seniors these students may take a college level calculus course. This accelerated program makes it possible for a student to receive college credit or advanced place- ment in one math course and two or three science courses. MR. ROBERT SMITH graduated from the Michigan State University in 1956 with his major in history and his minor in physical science. He did graduate work at Memphis State University, and in the sum- mer of 1962 studied at Montana State University on a National Science Foundation Scholarship. Be- fore coming to Memphis University School in 1957, Mr. Smith taught at Collierville High School, and worked at one time as a building contractor. At M.U.S. Mr. Smith teaches chemistry, physics, and general science. Mr. Smith holds membership in the Tennessee Science Teachers Association. During his years at M.U.S. he has served as advisor to the stu- dent council and several other groups, and has, among other things, donated an exceptionally fine pool table as supplement to the school ' s facilities. He is presently operating the school book store which specializes in sweatshirts, Beatle records and Edgar Rice Burrough ' s books. MR. D. EUGENE THORN is probably one of the best known teachers in the school. He has made many friends in his eight years of devoted service to M.U.S. In 1950 he received his B.S. Degree from Memphis State University, and in 1953 his M.A. Degree from the same institution. Coach Thorn, as he is better known, played college basketball and minor league baseball; he has served as line coach for the varsity football team and is now M.U.S. Athletic Director and head coach of the physical edu- cation program. His work in the Memphis Univer- sity School Summer Day Camp program is another sign of his devotion to the school. He was instru- mental in the organization of the club system at M.U.S.