Mississippi College - Tribesman Yearbook (Clinton, MS)

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John William Provine, A. B., A. M., Ph. D. Professor of Chemistry You have made the wiser ch oice — A life that moves to gracious ends, Thro’ troops of unforgetting friends — A deedful life. — Tennyson. OHN W ILLIAM PROVINE, Ph. D., Professor of Chemistry and head of the Department of Natural Sciences in Mississippi College, was born and reared at Cole’s Creek, Calhoun County, Mississippi. His college education was secured at Mississippi State University, where he was graduated with the bachelor’s degree in 1888. Winning the chemistry fellowship in the University in his Senior year which was given on competitive examination, he did postgraduate work in that department and took his master’s degree in 1890. After this, three years were spent in study abroad, most of the time being spent in Munich and Gottingen. He was graduated in Chemistry in the latter institution in 1893 with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. On Dr. Provine’s return to America in 1893, he was elected to the Chair of Chemistry in Mississippi College. The department, however, had to be created, for not much more than a beginning had been made in Chemistry in that institution until he took charge of the depart- ment. It is now recognized as one of the strongest departments in the College, and, indeed, one of the strongest departments of Chemistry in any college in the State. As a chemist, Doctor rovine has no superior in Mississippi; he is frequently called on for expert scientific work. When the presidency of the College became vacant in 1895, by the resignation of President V enable, Doctor Provine was asked by the Board of Trustees to act as Chairman of the Faculty, VN nch he did for two years; then he was made President, and served with marked administra- tive ability until 1898, when he asked the Board to relieve him of the executive duties of the College. In addition to his professional duties, he has many outside interests. He is recognized as the business man of the faculty. By way of diversion he runs a large farm on practical an ( scientific principles. As mayor of the town of Clinton, he inaugurated the splendid system ( e ectric lights and waterworks. He is still a member of the town board, and takes an active interest in all that pertains to civic improvement. Moreover, he is one of the directors of the Bank of Clinton, manager of the steam laundry, president of the Business Men’s League treasurer of the church, and treasurer of the local lyceum bureau. In all these capacities his counsel is practical, and looks to the interest of all concerned. S The subject of this sketch is no less active in Christian work. For several 1 rovine has been superintendent of the Baptist Sunday School, and in that work his ability as an organizer has been conspicuously manifested. The school is a model of practical and efficient organization. 1 ULdl dIia It would seem that no better example could be found for young college men to emulate than Doctor 1 rovine. He is averse to sham and deceit, a lover of system anil businesslike Tnd e °nerV rea f 7 u°T “ f tS his inStrU « ion d unsparing in time his tasr 8y ’l l ? -T ? SUggeSt ' ° n - versatile in abilities and democratic in Christ l h ' m ,S a eXamp ' e ° f the S P lendld ci t en, the forceful teacher, and the exemplary !9