Henry G. Bennett
Henry Garland Bennett | |
---|---|
Assistant Secretary of State | |
Personal details | |
Born | December 14, 1886 New Hope, Arkansas |
Died | December 22, 1951 Iran |
Nationality | American |
Spouse(s) | Vera Pearl Connell |
Children | 5 children |
Alma mater | Ouachita Baptist College |
Profession | Educator |
Religion | Baptist |
Henry G. Bennett (December 14, 1886 – December 22, 1951) was a prominent educational figure in Oklahoma. He served as the president of both Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma State University. He was appointed by President Harry S. Truman as an Assistant Secretary of State, heading up the Point Four Program.[1]
Early life
Childhood
Henry Bennett was born in New Hope, Arkansas on December 14, 1886 to Reverend Thomas Jefferson Bennett and Mary Elizabeth Bright Bennett.[2] He had three sisters[3] Although his family moved to a Texas before he was one year old he returned to Arkadelphia, Arkansas before school age.[4]
Education
Bennett attended Ouachita Baptist College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1907.[5] While at college he was president of Philomathean Literary Society, business manager of the campus yearbook, The Bear, and vice-president of the athletic program.[6] To earn extra money he collected laundry, drove a grocery wagon and delivered mail.[7]
Early career
After graduating accepted a position at a business college in Texarkana, Arkansas.[8]
Quit to become a textbook salesman.[9]
Moved to Boswell, Oklahoma in 1908 to become a teacher.[10]
Became superintendent of Choctaw County in 1909.[11]
Became superintendent of Hugo Public schools in 1910.[12]
President of Southeastern State Normal School
Remained superintendent of Hugo schools until accepting presidency of Southeastern Normal School in 1919 as the sixth president.[13]
Met Vera Pearl Connell in Durant, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of a lawyer and judge. Married January 27, 1913. Five children.[14]
President of Oklahoma Agricultural & Mechanical College
Federal appointment and Point Four Program
The Four Point Program became the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).[1]
Died in a plane crash in Iran serving on an assignment for the Point Four Program.[1] His wife was with him and also died in the crash.[16]
Buried in Highland Cemetery, Durant, Oklahoma.[17]
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "About Dr. Henry G. Bennett". Oklahoma State University School of International Studies. Oklahoma State University. Retrieved August 24, 2009.
- ↑ Norris 1986, p. 129.
- ↑ Norris, p. 129
- ↑ Norris, p. 129
- ↑ Norris, p. 129
- ↑ Norris, p. 129
- ↑ Norris, p. 129
- ↑ Norris 1986, p. 129,130.
- ↑ Norris 1986, p. 130.
- ↑ Norris, p. 130
- ↑ Norris, p. 130
- ↑ Norris, p. 130
- ↑ Norris, p. 130
- ↑ Norris, p. 130
- ↑ Norris 1986, p. 175.
- ↑ Norris, p. 130
- ↑ Norris 1986, p. 177.
References
- Norris, L. David (1986). A History of Southeastern Oklahoma State University Since 1909. Durant, Oklahoma: Mesa Publishing Co. ISBN 0-930719-10-7.
Further reading
- Chapman, Berlin. Dr. Henry G. Bennett as I knew him. Oklahoma Historical Society.
- Rulon, Philip (1975). A History of Oklahoma State University. Stillwater, Oklahoma.
- Current Biography, Volume 12. H.W. Wilson Company. 1951.
External links
- Henry G. Bennett Distinguished Service Award Winners
- Truman Library collection of Henry G. Bennett Papers
- President Truman's Point Four Program
- Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library at Southeastern Oklahoma State University Library
- Oklahoma State University's celebration of Henry G. Bennett's 60th birthday
- Henry G. Bennett Distinguished Fellows Program
- OHS Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture - Bennett, Henry Garland
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