University of Massachusetts Amherst - Index Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

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AJimttitBtrattnn 20 1004 jFarctDcU to rexp Wi)atci)tt T T was my pleasure to serve as chairman of the committee which planned the inauguration pro- • gram for President Roscoe W. Thatcher in iqi . That day ushered in a new era for the college. It brought a sense of security and a spirit of hopefulness. The distinguished delegates, the friends of the college, the faculty, and students all agreed that we had inducted into the presidency a scholar and a strong administrator. President Thatcher took over his duties in the manner expected of a scientist. He collected the facts and made them serve as a basis for clarifying our objective. Then he formulated a pro- gram which would, without harming high standards, develop the college, increase its usefulness, and broaden its scope. This called for changes and the solution of definite problems. These were faced resolutely and fearlessly. In order to get results he stated the policy, pointed out the change desired, and then expected definite results from members of the administrative force responsible for its realization. His frankness inspired confidence. The Trustees cooperated, the faculty worked zealously, the State authorit ies voted needed appropriations, and the public rendered enthusiastic support. Among the definite accomplishments may be noted the naming of the two-year curriculum Stockbridge School of Agriculture, the reorganization of the course of study, the adoption of a plan for professional improvement, the building of a thoroughly modern Physical Education build- ing, the establishment of a Student Health Service, and the passage of a bill changing the name of the college. Then came the news that the President ' s health would not permit him to continue. His resigna- tion could not be denied. He retires to a less strenuous position on our staff with the definite as- surance that the Trustees, the faculty, the students, and the many friends of the college gratefully recognized his faithful and telling service. They wish for him many years of fruitful work as a research chemist.

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K tt t)f JC Alimtmstratinn (Biiittx of bminisitration Hugh Potter Baker, D. Oec, President Born 1878; B. S. Mich. State College iqoi; M. F. Yale University 1904; D. Oec. University of Munich, iqio. For 10 years with the U.S. Forest Service examining public lands for forest reserves in Central Ida., Wyo., Neb.; field studies in New Mex., Wash., Ore. Professor of forestry, Iowa State College, 1904-07; Pennsylvania State College iqo7-ii; Dean and Professor of silviculture, N. Y. State College of Forestry, iqi2-2o; Executive secretary Am. Paper and Pulp Assn. 1920-28; Manager, Trade Assn. Dept., Chamber of Commerce of U. S. 1928-30; Dean, N.Y. State College of Forestry, Syracuse, 1930-33. Fellow A.A.A.S., Royal Geog. Soc. [London], Member, Am. Geog. Soc, Soc. Am. Foresters, Deutschen Dendrologischen Gesellschaft, Soc. Colonial Wars, S.A.R., Loyal Legion, Mason. Member 2d R.O.T.C., Ft. Sheridan, 111. Aug. -Nov. 1917; with 46th Inf. and member Gen. Staff 1917-19; Maj. O.R.C. Clubs; Yale [New York], Cosmos [Washington], University [Syracuse]. President of M.S. C. 1933-. William L. Machmer, A. M., Dean, Member of the Faculty Fred C. Kenney, Treasurer Born 1869; Kappa Epsilon. Fred J. Sievers, M. S., Director of the Experiment Station and Director of the Graduate School Born 1880. B. Sc, University of Wisconsin, 1910. M. S. University of Wisconsin, 1924. Instructor in Soils. University of Wisconsin, 1909-12. Agronomist, Milwaukee County School of Agriculture and Domestic Science, 1912-13. Superintendent, 1912-17. Professor of Soils, State College of Washington, 1917-28. Member of American Society of Agronomy, American Association of University Professors, Irrigation Institute, International Farm Con- gress, Fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science. Theta Chi, Sigma Xi, Alpha Zeta, Phi Kappa Phi. Roland H, Verbeck, B. S., Director of Short Courses Born 1S86. B.S., M.S.C., 1908. Principal, Petersham [Mass] Agricultural High School, 1908-10. Headmaster Parsonfield [Maine] Seminary, 1910-16. First Lieutenant, Air Service, Commanding 281st Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces, 1917-19. Service in France 1918-19. Director, New York State School of Agriculture at St. Lawrence University, Canton, N. Y., iqiq-24. Director of Short Courses, M. S. C 1924-. National Education Association, Harvard Teachers Association, Phi Sigma Kappa. Willard A. Munson, B. S., Director of Extension Service Born 1881. B. S., M.S.C., 1905. Partner, Munson-Whitaker Company, 1905-07, Farmer, iqoS-ij. County Agricultural Agent, 191 5-20. Director, Division Markets, Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, 1920-26. Direc- tor, Massachusetts Extension Service, M.S. C, 1926-. President, Mass, Fruit Growers As,sociation, 1919-21. Pres- ident, National Association of State Marketing Officials, 1926. President, New England Research Council on Mar- keting and Food Supplies, 1923-28. Member, Association of Land Grant Colleges. Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Sigma Kappa. Robert D. Hawley, B. S.. Secretary of the College Born 189;; B. S., M.S.C., 1920 as of 1918; Supervisor of Extension Courses, M.S.C., 1920-21, 1922-24, E.xtension Editor 1925-26; Secretary of the College 1926-. U. S. Army 1917-19, Second Lieutenant Infantry, A.E.F., 1918-19 Adelphia. Phi Sigma Kappa . Basil B. Wood, A. B., Librarian Born 1881 ; A. B. Brown 1905; Assistant in John Crerar Science Library, Chicago; Reference librarian, Pittsfield and Springfield Libraries, Mass. Assistant in three camp libraries during the war. Librarian, public library. West- erly, R. I. Delta Upsilon, Phi Beta Kappa. George E. Emery, B. S., Field Secretary Born 1904. B. S., M. S. C, 1924. Assistant Alumni Secretary, 1929-. Sigma Phi Epsilon.

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Etttrr X 21 AbmhttBtration Melcomc to rcxp Pafeer E are enthusiastic in extending President Baker a cordial welcome. Because of his wide ' experience as an administrator, his thorough scholarship, and his tested leadership, we have every reason to believe that he will be successful in directing the affairs of the college. As a faculty we stand ready to support him loyally. The affairs of the college are on a sound basis, but the steady growth of the student body brings new problems. These President Baker must cope with immediately. They concern hous- ing, new definition of scope, limitation or expansion of women ' s work, the size and offerings of the graduate school, and reorganization of curriculum to meet new conditions. Such adjustments are common to all institutions of higher learning when they move from the position of the so-called small college into the realm of the larger schools with more diversified programs of study and service. It is our hope that policies will be so formulated that high standards may be maintained in every sphere of the college ' s activity. The selection of Hugh Baker is a guarantee that the college will not suffer seriously through the forced change of administration. His enthusiasm, broad outlook, and sane views on higher education at public expense will make him an effective and safe leader. The college has an outstanding record of achievement which offers a challenge to the very best efforts of our new leader. We confidently believe his administration will shed new glory on his record and bring added fame to the institution, its devoted teachers, alumni, and friends. It is with unusual pleasure, therefore, that I say in behalf of them — President Baker you are welcome at Massachusetts State College.