Originally published in The News-Star newspaper, March 5, 2006

The faculty members who began teaching classes that singular fall of 1931 were highly educated, experienced and outstanding - and perfect evidence of the value that T.O. Brown and C.C. Colvert placed on having excellent faculty. Remember, this was during the Depression, and there were many, many faculty available from throughout the entire nation. As Brown and Colvert obtained resumes from employment clearinghouses such as the Fisk Teacher's Agency in Chicago, they had the opportunity to choose the "best of the best" and did so.

They were not finished, however. In the spring and fall of 1932 more faculty were hired. Among them were:
Roger C. and Wilma B. Frisbie, who came to Ouachita Parish Junior College after 17 years at the University of Wyoming. Roger Frisbie earned his bachelor of music from Northwestern in Illinois and had studied organ with Marcel Dupre' in Paris. He was hired as director of the conservatory at OPJC, and his introduction to the Monroe community was a concert on Feb. 26, 1932, at Grace Episcopal Church. He would write the music to the first Alma Mater. Wilma Frisbie was hired to teach violin and public school music. She earned her bachelor of music from DePauw in Indiana and had taught at Earlham College as well as the University of Wyoming.

Elizabeth Eason, who held her A.B. from the University of Mississippi and a library certificate from George Peabody College, arrived in the spring of 1932 to be the OPJC librarian. She oversaw the arrival of the 324 books, which made up the new library. Soon after her arrival she would be married to Henry Biedenharn.

E. Lowry Jefferson, who was a graduate of the Cincinnati and Chicago Conservatories of Music and was the band director. He formed the first band at OPJC in September 1932. He was also director of the 156th Infantry National Guard and Monroe Fire Department bands.

In fall 1932, a high school principal from Brandenburg, Ky., named William R. Hammond, with his A.B. from Western Kentucky and an M.A. from George Peabody College, was hired to teach political science and history. In his time here, he would find a bride, teach, write poetry and serve as a dean. Upon his retirement in 1968, he would be recognized as one of the "giants" in the history of our university.

That initial valuing of excellence and importance of faculty by Brown and Colvert is echoed in many places ... from Nobel Laureate Dr. Isaac Rabi's statement to Dwight Eisenhower at Columbia University, "Mr. President, the faculty is the university." to the words of our own Colvert, "College Spirit, what is it? It is the indefinable atmosphere which surrounds a faculty and student body and commands admiration, respect and loyalty" ... and remains a guide for our campus today.

Next week: Faithful Molly.

Have a great day at ULM.

Dr. John Knesel, ULM Professor

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