Truman State University - Echo Yearbook (Kirksville, MO)

Page 30 text:

T)r. John R. Kirk R. KIRK was born in Illinois. When he was live years old, his father moved to a farm in Harrison County, Missouri. He received his early education in the rural schools of that district, and graduated from the Kirksvillc State Normal School in 1878. Dr. Kirk became president of the Kirksville State Normal School in 1899. Since that time he has served this school faithfully. His administration has been very sue- cessful. He will always hold a high position in the history of this school as well as in the hearts of those students who have benefited by his labors. The best years of his life have been given to this school, and, his active service being over, we feel that the position of President Emeritus will allow him an opportunity to take life less strenuously yet continue his service and work if he wishes.

Page 29 text:

Changes in Administration HIS year was the time for the appointment of two new members of the Board of Regents as well as for the biennial appropriation of funds for the maintenance of state institutions. Messrs. J. E. Weath- erly, of Hannibal, and W. L. Shouse of Shelhina were appointed to fill the places of Messrs. Benjamin Franklin of Macon and Drake Watson of New London. This new board met on Monday evening, March 3, to organize itself and the administration for the next two years. Judge J. A. Cooley of Kirksville and B. L. Bonfoey, also of Kirksville, were given the posh tions of President and Secretary of the Board of Regents. It was decided that Dr. John R. Kirk, who has so wonderfully served this institution for so many years should be relieved of active duty. He was made President Emeritus with a substantial salary, and Dr. Eugene Fair was elected to take the position of President. Later in the Spring Quarter, Dr. Fair met with the board and sub- mitted his proposals for changes in the administration of our school. His proposals were accepted and Professor H. G. Swanson became Dean of the Faculty, and Professor Byron Cosby, Business Administrator. I'he nineteen Departments of Instruction have been consolidated into eleven and the general administrative machinery of this institution will soon lie ready to l egin, on September 1. 1925, the work of carrying on toward a bigger, better Teachers College for Northeast Missouri. There is much that has been done for K. S. T. C. There is much yet to be done. We honor those whose work has lieen done so well, we cheer and support those whose work is yet to be done.

Page 31 text:

I)R. JOHN R. KIRK PRESIDENT 1X99-1925 President Emeritus 1925 I’uro -’3