University of Arkansas Fayetteville - Razorback Yearbook (Fayetteville, AR)

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PRESIDENT JOHN N. TILLMAN

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THE CARDINAL NINETEEN TWELVE William Nathan Gladson w [TLLIAM NATHAN GLADSON was born at Corning, Iowa, February 22, 1866, and received his primary education in the Corning schools. Later he attended the Iowa State College at Ames, from which he re¬ ceived his degree of M. E. in 1888. The first few years succeeding his gradua¬ tion were spent in practical work. During the Chicago World’s Fair he was employed on the grounds as de¬ signing engineer for the Westinghouse Electric Company. The following spring, he accepted a position as professor of electrical engineering in the Ohio State University. He came to the University of Arkansas as adjunct professor and was made head of the Department of Electrical Engineering in 1897. From 1904 to 1908. in addition to his other work he also served as professor of Physics. Professor Gladson’s service in the University of Arkansas has been marked by a spirit of energy and progressiveness. In addition to his capable filling of the chair of Electrical Engineering, he has also served the state along many practical lines. The first year after coming to the University he designed and built the Fay¬ etteville Telephone Exchange. In 1896 he did original research work on the X-ray, and secured and operated the first X-ray machine in the state. He was granted the degree of Ph. D. by the McCleanorsville College of Tennessee for a thesis on his work in this field. He also obtained and operated the first wireless telegraph in Arkansas. During his service in the University of Arkansas he has spent one summer vacation in the University of Chicago, in special research work, one summer with the Allis-Chalmers Electric Co., as Superintendent of Construction of a large railway plant, and two summers in investigating the water power develop¬ ments of Washington, Oregon and California. For the past two summers he has been in charge of the Water Power Sur¬ vey of Arkansas jointly for the state and for the United States. The past year he has received the degree of M. E. E. from his Alma Mater, the Iowa State College. Professor Gladson stands as a type of the modest, practical, energetic man, who is self-reliant and capable. In character he is magnanimous, honorable and conscientious. His high character and pleasant personality have won him a place of respect and esteem, alike among the other members of the faculty and the student body. 8]