Jasper N. Wilkinson

Jasper N. Wilkinson
Wilkinson's KSN portrait
6th President of the Kansas State Normal
In office
1901–1906
Preceded by Albert R. Taylor
Succeeded by Joseph H. Hill
Personal details
Born Jasper Newton Wilkinson
September 19, 1851
Vinton County, Ohio
Died January 11, 1933 (aged 81)
Muskogee, Oklahoma
Resting place Muskogee, Oklahoma
Spouse(s) Nellie Reynolds (1879–1933)
Alma mater Illinois Normal School
Occupation Educator, businessman
Religion Presbyterian

Jasper Newton Wilkinson (September 19, 1851 – January 11, 1933) was an American educator and businessman, most notable for serving as the sixth president of the Kansas State Normal School (KSN), now known as Emporia State University, in Emporia, Kansas.[1]

Biography

Early life and education

Jasper Newton Wilkinson was born on September 19, 1851 in Vinton County, Ohio to Jackson Wilkinson and Mary Morrison.[2] Wilkinson began teaching at the age of sixteen in Newbern, Illinois. He attended the Illinois Normal School, graduating in 1874.[3] After graduation he was the principal of the Buda, Illinois school district until 1879. Wilkinson also held principalships in Peoria and Decatur, Illinois. In 1884, Wilkinson moved to Emporia, Kansas to become a professor in the training department and later vice-president of the Kansas State Normal School.[4]

Kansas State Normal School presidency

Wilkinson took over as the sixth president of the Kansas State Normal School in 1901, following Albert R. Taylor's resignation.[5] During Wilkinson's tenure as president, the Kansas State Legislature approved an appropriation that would fund Summer semesters in 1901, whereas Summer School had previously been funded completely by fees that students paid. During his first year as president Wilkinson prohibited students who were failing to continue their program at Kansas State Normal School and changed the requirements to earn a degree, making only students who completed the 4-year program would be awarded degrees. In the fall of 1901, the first organized basketball game was played at the Kansas State Normal School.[6] In 1903, the new library was completed and opened, and a new training school was built. A new grandstand overlooking the athletic fields was built in 1905, as well.[7]

Later life

After resigning in 1906 from the Normal School, Wilkinson purchased the Citizens Bank of Pryor in Oklahoma and held the position of president there until 1910. Wilkinson was also a lumber company owner until his death.[8]

Personal life

In June 1879, Wilkinson married Nellie Reynolds. They had two daughters, Edith and Lucile. Wilkinson died on January 11, 1933.[7]

References