Oklahoma State University - Redskin Yearbook (Stillwater, OK)

Page 29 text:

The President .1 T Prominent question mark in state political circles this past year, Dr. Henry G. Bennett has become, during his fourteen years as president of Ok- lahoma A. and NI. College, one of the outstanding educators in the state and nation. Author of the twenty-five year cam- pus development plan, Dr. Bennett has been the driving force in correlating the institution's construction program with the rapid growth of the student body. The administration of Dr. Bennett is noteworthy for the stability which it has brought to the college. Outgrowth of this favorable condition has been the Decennium club which further em- phasizes the effectiveness of stabilization in the college administration. Friend of the student that he is, Dr. Bennett holds the deep respect, admira- tion, and loyalty of all undergraduates. Democratic and congenial, he has won a place in the hearts of undergraduates as one who recognizes their problems and responsibilities. Vllell known friend of the state's many farmers, President Bennett has expanded the agricultural program in- itiated by Dr. Bradford Knapp, who e 'c placed particular emphasis on the work DR. HENRY GARLAND BENNETT of the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Extension Division, until today there are graduates of the college serving in each of the statels seventy-seven counties. Oklahoma A. and M. College was founded June 25, 1891, as the people's college. Established in a new and untried territory its policies were dedicated to the liberal and practical education of the in- dustrial classes in the pursuits and professions of life. As the fourteenth president of Oklahoma A. and M. College Dr. Bennett has utilized the policies which emerged with the growth of the institution in pro- moting the welfare of the people of Oklahoma through the progressive education of their children. Perhaps no one word more nearly expresses the spirit which Dr. Bennett has fostered upon the cam- pus than the word democraticl'. The institution has become prominent throughout the nation as a friendly campus which offers to all students congeniality and hospitality. No doubt the College and the principles of democratic education for which it stands are just in the beginning of an era of acceptance and service. The progress of Oklahoma A. and Nl. College has been largely due in recent years to the educational leadership, vision, indefatigable energy, human sympathies, cordial personality, and integrity of Dr. Henry G. Bennett who holds the affection, confidence, and respect of the people of Oklahoma. Speaking recently Dr. Bennett said, f'There is not a county in Oklahoma that is not reached by both aspects of the Collegels service. The years to come will see an even greater and more effective service based upon the changing needs of menf' Page 25

Page 28 text:

. A l ' 3, . .Q - 7, V. . J Kai! V, x 92 .fm ,, 1' ,-Y' ,fy ' wr . , :fi 4 .w 1 4 'fx 29 V . 1 Ay , . A ' - , ,. ' ' -:5 'VI . - VV .Q il 'E .Jw 25 Q A ,, Paw 9. Ay wa Fw qu . I ,E H,- ja Wei Q - ,.:z,, fi

Page 30 text:

The Governor f Governor of the State of Oklahoma, Leon C. Phillips guides the policies and practices of administration with the firm ideals of a minister and the under- standing of an experienced politician. True Americanism is written in the legend of his ancestry and in the sta- bility of his actions. Seeking the op- portunities of a new and free land, his ancestors settled in Connecticut prior to the Revolutionary Vllar. Continuing westward through the period of the Vvar of 1812, the Nlexican Vllar, the Civil Vvar, the Spanish-American lllar, and the 1st Worlcl lVar the family ar- rived in the land of the Red Nlan, Ok- lahoma, when young Leon C. Phillips was two years old. Son of a shrewd Scotch-Irish father and a pious Pennsylvania Dutch mother, Phillips grew up as a lighting, deter- mined, red-haired farrn boy in Custer County. From this environment came a man with a mind clean enough to de- termine what is right, and tough enough to stick to his principles, pushing ideals to completion and success. l Relinquishing his training for the ministry, Phillips made the decision to study law and entered the University of Oklahoma Law School in 1913. Here his versatility and ability began to be recognized as he completed his under- graduate work with an outstanding scholastic record, as well as acting as the president of his class and the student council of the college. The fighting spirit was significant as he held the guard position of the 1915 all-victorious football squad. Climax of a brilliant college career came when he was elected as the GOVERNOR LEON C. PHILLIPS best all-around student in his senior graduating class. Stepping into the business world, it was a promising sign to see the law shingle of Leon C. Phillips placed on his office in Okemah. Catching the limelight in 1938, Phillips became a well known figure throughout the state as he made an earnest and sincere campaign for the position of the chief executive of a state confronted with the effects of the depression and the drought years. The people of Oklahoma placed their confidence in his ability, and on January 9, 1939. he became the eleventh governor of the state of Oklahoma. Responsibility Weighing heavily on his shoulders, Leon C. Phillips emerged through the trying years as a fiery, cigar-smoking governor who was hailed as the statels most famous economy governor. Speaking in 1941 Governor Phillips said, lf you, the graduates of Oklahoma A. and M. College, apply your learning to better meet the ordinary situations of life, for the beneht of man and for the pres- ervation of our American ideals, continuing to learn as you go about life's work, you will justify your education, and bring added renown to your alma mater. l believe you will do itf' Page 26