Tennessee State University - Tennessean Yearbook (Nashville, TN)

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WILLIAM IASPER HALE President. Agricultural and Industrial State College since 1911. M.A., Lincoln University: LL.D.. WilbeIforce University; LL.D., Howard University. THE PRESIDENT Born, Jasper, Tennessee; Educated in Maryville College, Maryville. Tennessee; Principal. St. Elmo High School: Principal, East Fifth Street School, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Founder and Presi- dent, Tennessee Inter-Racial League; Past President, National Conference of Presidents of Land Gran! Colleges; Fonner Vice-Presideni, National Negro Business League: Honorary President, Teu- nessee Negro Education Association; Member of President Hoover's Housing Committee: Vice-Ptesis dent of Citizen's Savings Bank and Trust Company: Lecturer, National Education Association and Teachers Col1ege, Columbia University; Harmon Gold medalist. 14930; Member of N.E.A. Commit- tee on Negro Education: Member of International Advisory Committee on Education: Member of National Advisory Committee of Delta Phi Delta: Jewel of Alpha Kappa Mu Honorary Fraternity: Charter member of Chi Boule of Sigma Chi Phi Fraternity: 1942 Recipient of gold key from Ten- nessee Chapter of New Farmers of America: Jewel of Lambda Eta Sigma Honor Society; Director. Negro Division. United States War Saving Bonds and Stamps Campaign in Tennessee. Three

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AYEHI I942 Contents DEDICATION CAMPUS VIEWS PRESIDENT W. I. HALE ORIGINAL FACULTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS AND FACULTY AYENI STAFF SENIORS IUNIORS SOPHOMORES FRESHMEN GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATIONS CAMPUS CLUBS ACTIVITIES AND DEPARTMENTS PERSONALITIES SNAPSHOTS h- THE HEMPHILL PRESS NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

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W. J; Hale--A Victorious Leader The career of President William I. Hate, as one of the outstanding educators of the nation, had its beginning in his decision to enter Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee. His sterling lead- ership abilty began to evince itself even at that early date, and the outstanding quality of work done while he was there was responsible for his being offered a position as teacher in his native town. Retro, Tennessee. From this modest beginning as a country school teacher, he next took a forward step by accepting the pxincipalship of St. Elmo High School. located in a sutburb of Chat- tanooga. Later he became principal of the East Filth Street Grammar School in Chattanooga. He was now definitely on the upward trend. but this field was too small for such a great char- acter. Therefore, when in 1912 the members of the State Board of Education looked about them to seek a suitable president for the State College in Nashville, they designated him as their choice for this position. Leaving the outgrown shell of his former career behind him. he turned his face toward Nashville and thus began his long and colorful career as president of A. and 1. State Col- lege. Upon assuming his responsibilities as president he met with many obstacles which would have discouraged the average man, but President Hale met each one with fortitude and courage. The ability of a strong character to withstand the winds of adversity was vividly demonstrated during the period 01 1912 to 1920 when the institution was engaged in a struggle for its existence against overwhelming political odds. President Hale was faced with the necessity of defying not only a state governor, but also of denouncing representatives of the federal government in order that the institution might maintain its integrity and continue to function as a state endowed school for Negro youth. This he accomplished with such a degree of success that instead of becoming non-existent the school tlourished until 1820, when the institution launched on a transition program by which it became a iour-year teacher's college. Since that time liberal grants from the General Education Board 01 New York City and the Rosenwald Fund of Chicago have made it possible for the College to grow with phenomenal rapidity. The Tennessee General Assembly has also been instrumental in the growth of the college throuoh its appropriations for the institution. Today the institution with its million dollar plant, its efficient faculty. its enrollment of over a thousand students, Iepresenting over 37 states. its future program to: developing A. and I. State College to the status of accredited undergiaduate and post-graduate work tor Negroes on the same standards as the University of Tennessee, stands as a living monument of what this peerless educator has done for his race. Not only have the achievements of President Hale been recognized by the educational world, but they have also been Iecognized by the fraternal world as evinced by the tact that he is jewel of Lambda Eta Sigma, Alpha Mu Fraternity. charter member of Chi Boule of Sigma Chi Phi Fra- ternity and member of the National Advisory Committee of Delta Phi Delta. Further, he was award- ed the LLB. degree by Wilberforce University in 1938, and the LL. D. degree from Howard Uni- versity in 1939. One of the great honors of his educational career came to him on February 18. 1930. when he was awarded the Harmon Foundation Gold Award. However. the crowning distinction of President Hale's life as an educator, as well as a citizen of his country. was bestowed upon him, when, in recognition of his contributions to his city. his state, and his country through the symbolizing of the school motto: Think, Work, Serve. he was ap- pointed Chairman of the Negro Division of the War Saving Bonds and Stamps Drive for Tennessee. Through his efficient and patriotic leadership he has organized Tennessee State College and the community as a National Defense Unit, thus proving conclusively that under his guidance the Ne- groes of Tennessee will show to the world that they. too, are all out for Victory. Thus the educational road that he travelled from Maryville College, as a student, to Tennes- see A. and 1. State College, as president, has been paved with one honor after the other. one achievement after the other, and one contribution after the other for his Race. his State and his Na- tion. What are his philosophies of life that have guided him in the panorama of achievements? Plato said: Souls of men are fashioned by the things they see, feel and hear. May we say that the phi- losophies oi President W. I. Hale began in Retro, for he chose the simple farm life as the theater of his thinking. As he grew older. philosophies were added, subtracted and modiiied as his ex- pexiences on the road of life grew numerous and complex. Let us pause to reflect over these phi- losophies by which we identify this great leader. Amidst a war of free men against totalitarian shackIeSea war for the survival of civilization- against paganism-a war of right against the iorces that recognize no master and no incentive but greed and might-a war for the triumph of treedom's banner, as never before in the history of civilization, the eyes of the world are focused on leaders for guidance and direction so that Ameri- ca! the great! America the beautiful! may continue to enjoy lite, liberty and pursuit of happinessw America focus your eyes on William Jasper Hale. a Victorious Leader. Four