Albert R. Taylor

Albert R. Taylor
Albert Taylor as president of KSN
1st President of Millikin University
In office
1901–1920
Succeeded by George Emory Fellows
5th President of Emporia State University
In office
1882–1901
Preceded by Rudolph B. Welch
Succeeded by Jasper N. Wilkinson
Personal details
Born Albert Reynolds Taylor
October 16, 1846
Magnolia, Illinois
Died August 11, 1929 (aged 82)
Decatur, Illinois
Resting place Emporia, Kansas
Spouse(s) Minerva Dent (1873–1929)
Alma mater Lincoln Univeristy (B.S.; PhD)
Occupation Educator

Albert Reynolds Taylor (October 16, 1864 – August 11, 1929) was an American educator serving as president and professor at several institutions. Taylor was most notable for being a founder and the first president of Millikin University.[1] Before serving as president of Millikin University, Taylor served as the president of the Kansas State Normal School, now known as Emporia State University.[2]

Biography

Early life and education

Taylor was born to Jonathan Taylor and Mary Ann Mills in 1846.[3] Taylor attended the Illinois State Normal School in Bloomington, Illinois in 1864 and after attending for only two terms, he then attended Wenona Seminary in Wenona, Illinois briefly before leaving to pursue a mercantile career. After a few years of various jobs, Taylor decided to return to school and in 1869, he attended Knox College for a few terms before transferring to Lincoln University where he would graduate in 1872 and get his first job as a professor and chair of natural science.[4]

Kansas State Normal

In 1882, the Kansas Board of Regents chose Taylor to replace Rudolph B. Welch as the next president of the Kansas State Normal School.[4] During his presidency, there were a lot of first changes that were implemented including some of the administrative procedures in order to increase the efficiency of management. A few years after coming to the KSN, Taylor eliminated the common school course beginning with the 1884–85 academic year. The common school course was a two-year course that was designed for teachers who planned on teaching in rural schools; however, many of the teachers graduating from the program went on to accept positions in high schools, and even principalships. In an effort to produce high quality teachers, Taylor believed that the standards of teacher training should be raised. Another decision by Taylor in an effort to expand the student population was to offer reimbursement for students who travelled over 100 miles to attend the Kansas State Normal School. Some programs he instituted included 10-week sessions, summer school, commercial courses, and military drills. He also upgraded the history, economics, and psychology departments.[5] Taylor resigned in 1901 to become president of Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.

Millikin University

In 1901 Taylor became the first president of Millikin University. During his administration, many things happened on campus including United States President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated the new college, 562 students attended opening day, degrees awarded to the first four-year graduating class, a women's residence hall opened, and another U.S. President William Howard Taft gave a speech.[6] Taylor resigned in 1913, but later returned in 1915 as president serving until 1920.

Personal life

He married Minerva Dent on October 16, 1873. They had two daughters, Jessie Minerva who was born on November 5, 1874 and Kittie Mary who was born on July 14, 1879. In 1882 Taylor would receive his Ph.D from Lincoln University.

References