Melissa Martin Dawes Oral History Interview

Interviewee: Melissa Martin Dawes
Interviewer: Lillian Van Loan
Interview Date: November 11, 1956
Location: Oregon State College, Corvallis, Oregon
Duration: 0:19:42
 

In this interview, Melissa Martin Dawes discusses the history of Oregon Agricultural College, spanning from 1915 to the early 1930s. She reflects on the leadership of William Jasper Kerr, who served as president for eight years, and the evolution of the college's organizational structure and curriculum under his guidance. The interview also touches upon the establishment of the State Board of Higher Curricula in 1909 and its successor, the State Board of Higher Education, in 1929. Kerr's efforts in campus development, collaboration with architects, and strategic building initiatives are highlighted.

The interview then delves into the changes made to Oregon’s system of higher education from 1929-1935. The challenges surrounding changes in curricula during this time are discussed, as are certain educational achievements. Kerr's role as system chancellor is explored, along with his retirement in 1935. The interview concludes with Dawes sharing her memories of the growth of the Language department at Oregon State, especially during World War II, and the college's commitment to providing practical and disciplined education.

Dublin Core

Title

Melissa Martin Dawes Oral History Interview

Description

In this interview, Melissa Martin Dawes discusses the history of Oregon Agricultural College, spanning from 1915 to the early 1930s. She reflects on the leadership of William Jasper Kerr, who served as president for eight years, and the evolution of the college's organizational structure and curriculum under his guidance. The interview also touches upon the establishment of the State Board of Higher Curricula in 1909 and its successor, the State Board of Higher Education, in 1929. Kerr's efforts in campus development, collaboration with architects, and strategic building initiatives are highlighted.

The interview then delves into the changes made to Oregon’s system of higher education from 1929-1935. The challenges surrounding changes in curricula during this time are discussed, as are certain educational achievements. Kerr's role as system chancellor is explored, along with his retirement in 1935. The interview concludes with Dawes sharing her memories of the growth of the Language department at Oregon State, especially during World War II, and the college's commitment to providing practical and disciplined education.

Creator

Melissa Martin Dawes

Source

History of Oregon State University Oral Histories and Sound Recordings (OH 03)

Publisher

Special Collections and Archives Research Center, Oregon State University Libraries

Date

November 11, 1956

Contributor

Lillian Van Loan

Format

Digitized Open Reel Audiotape

Language

English

Type

Oral History

Identifier

oh03-dawes-melissa-martin-19561111

Oral History Item Type Metadata

Interviewer

Lillian Van Loan

Interviewee

Melissa Martin Dawes

Location

Oregon State College, Corvallis, Oregon

Original Format

Digitized Open Reel Audiotape

Duration

0:19:42

OHMS Object

Interview Format

audio