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

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The Old and the New ITH the inauguration of Dr. Melvin A. Brannon as President of the University on April Ist, 1914, we entered upon a new era in the history of the institution. We confidently predict that this marks the beginning of a period of growth much greater in magnitude and duration than any similar period of years in the history of the University. We are not basing this prediction on disjointed premises, nor on the sand of the high ‘hopefulness of youth; but on facts which can point only in that direction. For fourteen months we fluttered about with a temporary head in the person of our Dean of 'the College of Agriculture, Mr. W. L. Carlyle. During that period not only did we sow and reap as usual but we prospered to a wonderful degree. The num- ber of students increased, our appropriation was enhanced, our faculty was strengthened by the introduction of new blood, and we successfully withstood an attempt to rend us asunder at this critical period of our growth. With a record of this kind before us far be it from us to disparage the work of Mr. Carlyle—we can only praise. Burdened by the cares of two offices, each requiring more ability than that possessed ‘by the ordinary man, we cannot help but wonder how it was all accomplished. We cannot help but feel the kindling of a new love and respect for the man who made it possible. The realization, therefore, that he—loyal as always— will remain with us is an unbounded pleasure. Is it strange, then, that we feel optimistic about the future when we fully comprehend what the leadership of two men like Mr. Brannon and Mr. Carlyle will mean to the University? Melvin A. Brannon was born near Lowell, Indiana, September 11th, 1865. Like many other men of note he spent the early years of his life on a farm. It was here he acquired that forcefulness and independence combined with a sympathetic heart with which we now find him so richly endowed. At twenty-four he graduated from Wabash College taking his master’s degree the following year at the same institution. The following four years (1890-94) were spent as teacher of sciences in the Fort Wayne (Ind.) High School. Later he worked with the Harvard and Yale Universities in the world famous Marine Research Labora- tory at Wood’s Hole, Mass. This laboratory, it might be said in passing, is second only to a similar laboratory at Naples, Italy. In the course of time Mr. Brannon was elected Dean of the College of Medicine at the University of North Dakota, in which capacity he served for three years, At this time he was promoted to the office of Dean of the College of Arts, which position he held until elected president of the University of Idaho in 1914. Two years previous SS aed Ten

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GEM. OF THE MOUNTAINS 715 a TE ET, DR. MELVIN A. BRANNON PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY Nine

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to this date (1912) the University of Chicago conferred the degree of Doctor of Phil- osophy upon him in recognition of research work in regard to plant tissue submerged by the Salton Sea. In research work Dr. Brannon has been very prominent. In addition to the Ma- rine Laboratory and Salton Sea Investigations he is a member of the Carnegie Research Staff in the study of the action of water on vegetable tissue. He has studied the relation of lower plants to the separation of the salts in solution in lake waters. He has con- ducted a special line of studies with regard to the physical and chemical changes in the storage of vegetables and fruits. While at North Dakota he, also, had charge of ex- periments in acclimatizing fish to the saline and fresh water lakes of that state. Dr. Brannon first visited our University in February, 1914. He was at that time considering accepting the presidency and came out in order to look over the conditions here before making his final decision. He first set foot on Idaho soil in his official capa- city at Boise on April 2nd, arriving in Moscow three days later, and taking up his work here on the morning of the 6th of April, 1914. With the period of uncertainty over, and wit h a strong man at the helm, our Alma Mater should now advance rapidly. President Brannon ‘has assumed his work with a spirit that spells success, and a spirit that will make this a larger and a better Idaho. In behalf of the Junior Class, and the students as a whole, we want to assure our new Prexie at this time of our continued loyalty and support both before and after graduation. Eleven