Northwestern State University - Potpourri Yearbook (Natchitoches, LA)

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HIRTEEN PRESIDENTS HAVE EDWARD E. SHEIB THOMAS DUCKETT BOYD BEVERLY C. CALDWELL JAMES BENJAMIN ASWELL Jan. 25, 1885-May, 1888 July 2, 1888-July n, 1896 1896-1908 Sept., 1908-June 30, 1911 VICTOR LEANDER ROY WILLIAM WHITE TISON ALBERT ASA FREDERICKS JOE FARRAR A C. MADDOX (Acting) July 1, 1911-June 30, 1929 July 1, 1929-Sept. 1, 193+ Aug. 1, 1934-June 30, 1941 April 1, 1941-June 30, 1947 Nov. 21, 1946-June 30, 1947 JOSEPH E, GIBSON July 1, 1947-June 30, 1949 GARNIE WILLIAM McGINTY July 1, 1949-Sept. 1, 1950 H. LEE PRATHER Oct. 24, 1 9 50- May 15, 1954

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Training Corps Anti-Aircraft Artillery Unit was approved for activation on the campus ; classes began in September. Coach H. Lee Prather assumed the presidency after having been a member of the faculty for thirty-seven years, having served as coach, athletic director, dean of men, and professor of government. During his term the following were erected : Armory, 195 1 ; School of Nursing Building, in Shreveport, 1953 ; and new Industrial Education Building, 1954. The major academic development which took place during Mr. Prather ' s administration was the rapid growth of the collegiate nursing program. In 1953 the Department of Nursing became the School of Nursing, with its own dean; the School now had divisional campuses in Shreveport, established in 1949; Alexandria, 1950; and Baton Rouge, 1 95 1. Students combine nursing and academic courses in a program that leads to the R. N. certificate and the B. S. degree. There have been 497 graduates since the program began ; and 374 students were enrolled in the School during the 1958 fall semester. Upon President Prather ' s retirement, Dr. John S. Kyser became President, May 15, 1954; he had been a member of the faculty since 1923, and had been Head of the Social Sciences Department for twenty-one years. During the first five years of his incumbency, the physical plant of the College experienced another period of major development. Construction projects include: Prudhomme Hall, 1956; Addition to Russell Library, 1957 ; Biological Sciences Building, 1958 ; Addition to Caspari Hall, 1958; Natchitoches Hall, 1958; and St. Denis Cafeteria, 1958. Dormitory rooms were built into the stadium in 1957 ; and South Hall and West Hall were extensively renovated during 1958. Sibley Drive was extended north- westward to College Avenue, opening another area of the campus, and paved parking lots were provided, in 1956. Ex- tensive landscaping and beautification projects were carried out. A momentous event in the history of the College was the establishment of the Graduate School, with its own dean, in 1954. In 1955 authorization was granted for offering extension courses to graduate students ; and such courses have been conducted in Shreveport, Alexandria, Jonesboro, Minden, Mansfield, DeRidder, Monroe, Lake Charles, and Winnfield. Limited to degrees in Education during the first years of its existence, the School began, in 1958, to offer programs leading to the Master of Science and Master of Arts degrees. There was a graduate enrollment of 499 students during the 1958 summer term. 1° I 955, the Special Education Center began its widespread activities. Two very important parts of the college are the Williamson Museum, in recently enlarged and renovated quarters in Guardia Hall ; and the North I ouisiana Archives Room, in the Russell Library. At the present time the faculty includes forty-five persons possessing the Doctor ' s degree. During the 1958 fall semester there were 2,659 students enrolled in the College. The College is a member in good standing of the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the Association of American Colleges, and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. All programs for teachers are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Nursing curricula are accredited by the Louisiana State Board of Nurse Examiners and the National Nursing Accrediting Service. Thus, our campus has seen seventy-five historic years. And still the three stately columns stand — symbols of that glorious past the College has known — but guideposts also, ever pointing the way toward even greater achievements and triumphs for our beloved Alma Mater in the years that lie ahead.

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LED THE WA Y John Schnebley Kyser May 15, 1954— To date A great college is so very much more than the visible com- bination of buildings and students. Above all, it is the projection of an idea. Our College, now celebrating its Dia- mond Jubilee Year, was founded with the blessings of America ' s greatest ideal — education for all. Fortunate indeed are those students who come to ex- perience a tradition of dedication to goals that are for the great good of every citizen. Northwestern State in this, its seventy-fifth year, is indulging in a bit of review and reminiscence of its struggles and accomplishments. It is fitting that it should search its treasury of values for both young and old. In this day of large numbers of students, of varied schools and curricula, and of fine physical plant, it is right that the sons and daughters of Northwestern should pause to pay unstinted tribute to those who only yesterday worked with but little thought of self in order that there would be better days for us. We pause in silent homage to them, and pledge ourselves anew to pay greater allegiance to their values. The Potpourri of yesteryear faithfully mirrored a picture of the li fe of our College, just as it does today. These book 4 rmS. % I JfJ m r ( - t portraits over the years show the glory of youth, its tireless capacity to combine the lighthearted with the serious. They reveal strength and character. Northwestern State College continues to provide an environment where young people achieve perspective and attain balance, the earmarks of wisdom. Our College seeks ever to stimulate contributions that may spring from the entire range of human abilities. Its rich experience of three-quarters of a century provides a firm base on which to improve the temple of intellect that is mellowed with the impulses of humor, goodwill and friendship. Let us live some of this good life through the stirring pages of the 1959 Potpourr i. U txu-4-