Dr. J. Luther Beeson Biography

Dr. Jasper Luther Beeson was born in Keener, Alabama, graduating from the University of Alabama in 1889 and John Hopkins University with a PhD in 1893. He first came to GN&IC in 1897 as a professor of chemistry and natural sciences. In 1909 he was appointed vice-president of the college, a position which he held until he was named President of the institution. Beeson became Acting President in 1927 after President Marvin Parks' sudden death. The Board of Trustees attempted to fill the Office of the President with a noted educator, Ambrose Suhrie. Suhrie took the position but was unable to move to Milledgeville when his wife became ill in the summer of 1927. Despite Beeson's desire to remain on the teaching faculty, he was named President in July 1928 and served for seven years.

Under Beeson's direction, the college continued to increase enrollment, and survived on very little money from the Board of Regents. While the Great Depression was a difficult time in the life of the college, Beeson was able to secure enough funds in the early 1930s to build Parks Memorial Hospital, Bell Hall, Ina Dillard Russell Library, and extensively remodel the exterior of Atkinson Hall. The college was also able to acquire sixteen acres of property known as Government Square Park. The wood eventually became known as Nesbit Woods and is currently the property on which residence halls and the Centennial Center are located.

During Beeson's tenure the college added two new departments, Spanish and Sociology, while strengthening some of the weaker departments on campus. The students also worked hard under Beeson's leadership to create a student government association in 1933. An annual event known as Parents' Day began in the last months of Beeson's presidency in May, 1934.

Other changes during the Beeson years include the admission of male students for the first time during the 1930 and 1931 summer sessions. After administrative discussion, it was decided that the college should remain only for women, and the admission of male students ceased after the 1931 summer session. Also during Beeson's presidency GSCW became part of the University System of Georgia in 1932 under the newly formed Board of Regents.

In April of 1934, after being involved in what was deemed to be a conflict of interest with the construction of the new library and a business owned by the President, Dr. Beeson was asked to resign by University System Chancellor Philip Weltner. Despite Georgia Governor Talmadge's support, Beeson retired in 1934 citing ill health as his reason for retirement. In return Beeson was awarded "president emeritus" status by the Board of Regents and continued to receive an annual salary while teaching chemistry at GSCW.

In 1937 a newly constructed dormitory was named in honor of Dr. Beeson. Beeson died of a heart attack after serving GSCW for nearly fifty years in January, 1943.

• A Centennial History of Georgia College by William Ivy Hair with James C. Bonner, Edward B. Dawson, and Robert J. Wilson III. Milledgeville: Georgia College, 1989.