Originally published in The News-Star newspaper, February 19, 2006

According to the 1931-'32 catalog issue of Ouachita Parish Junior College, "The 1931-32 session commenced on September 28, 1931, with a full corps of teachers. ..." It might be interesting to think about just who made up this "full corps" and where they came from.

Among those who walked through the doors of OPJC that hot September of 1931 were ... Grady G. Albritton, originally from Farmerville who held a B.S. and M.S. from LSU and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina. He had previously worked at Texas A&M, LSU and the University of North Carolina. At OPJC, he taught physics and chemistry.

Bess Mary Crider, who was originally from Kentucky and had taught at the University of Wyoming and the State Teacher's College of Florence, Ala. She earned her A.B. from the University of Oklahoma, and she also held the M.A. from the University of Maryland. She had completed preliminary work for her Ph.D. at the University of Southern California. Crider taught English. She wrote the words to the first Alma Mater in the spring of 1932.

Dorothy N. Younse, who also taught English. She was born in southern Louisiana and later moved to Ruston, where she earned her A.B. from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute. Younse later earned her master's degree from Columbia University in New York City. Before coming to the junior college, she taught for four years at Ouachita Parish High School. By 1951, OPJC had become Northeast Louisiana State College, and Younse was noted to be the only one of the original faculty members remaining.

J. Paul Kemerer, who came to Monroe from Pennsylvania. He earned his B.S. degree at West Virginia Wesleyan College and he earned the M.A. from Penn State. For three years he was a professional football player. Kemerer was the junior college's first football coach and also taught economics and political science.

Frellsen F. Smith, who was reared in Oak Grove in West Carroll Parish. He taught English and history. Before coming to OPJC, he taught at Simsboro High School and Warner Memorial College in Eastland, Texas. His educational background included an A.B. from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, A.M. from the University of Texas and one year's work on his Ph.D. at Harvard University.

C.C. Colvert, who, in addition to serving as president, taught psychology. His B.S.E. and M.S. were in education from the University of Arkansas.

It is intriguing to reflect upon the broad educational background and varied experiences that these individuals brought to the junior college. Even more intriguing is the thought that there are still a large number of alumni who could tell us stories about what it was like to be in one or more of their classes. If you happen to know someone in that category, please ask them.

Next week we will explore more information about the original faculty.

Have a great day at ULM!

Dr. John Knesel, ULM Professor

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