University of Idaho - Gem of the Mountains Yearbook (Moscow, ID)

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Joseph Phillip Blanton

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Tue University of Idaho was opened on the 3rd day of October, 1892, with FRANKLIN B. Gautt, A. M., President. President Gault is a graduate of Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Previous to his election, President Gault was the Superintendent of the Pub System of Tacoma, Wash. He had had a broad experience in the field of education, was active and possessed of fine executive ability. President Gault’s keen business capacity, and careful working out of details, made his administration an efficient one for the formative period of the institution. The University advanced very rapidly considering the difficulties to be overcome in starting an institution of this kind. After serving for six years, President Gault turned over to his successor an insti- tution well entered upon the highway of prosperity.

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JosErH Puitiip BLANTON, A. M., LL. D., isa native of Vir- ginia and graduated at Hampden-Sydney College. After, leaving College he devoted his time entirely to educational interests. For several years he was the Principal of the Troy, Mo., Collegiate Insti- tute. His executive ability was displayed to a large degree during the ten years he was president of the Kirksville, Mo., Normal School. This position he voluntarily resigned to assume the position of Dean of the Normal Department of the University of Missouri, which position he very successfully filled until he resolved to come further west and ac- cepted the position of President of the U. of I.. which he held for two years. Dr. Blanton is a gentleman of high character, excellent scholarship and broad general culture. His wide reading, and broad sympathy, his natural gift of oratory make him a speaker of unusual power and force. 17