RG 09. Faculty and Staff

Abstract Noah C. Hirschy (1867-1925) was asked to join the faculty of Berea College as Associate Professor of Modern Languages and Science in 1920 (same year Dr. William J. Hutchins was appointed President of the College -- Hutchins and Hirschy had been seminary students together at Oberlin). Hirschy would become a Professor of Botany one year later and serve as head of the botany department until his death in March of 1925. While at Berea, Dr. Hirschy was known as a “real” teacher-- with his Sunday...

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Pat Wear taught at Berea College from 1950 until he retired in 1980.  Dr. Wear ("Pat") served as chairman of the college's education department and was a professor of elementary education and director of secondary student teaching. He continued to teach part-time after he retired.  In addition to his academic work, Wear was an avid tennis player and was a leading supporter and influence for tennis in Berea and the state of Kentucky.

Abstract Paul David Nelson (Dave) came from Patrick County, Virginia to attend Berea College, graduating in 1965. He went on to Duke University for a master’s degree and then a Ph.D. After a brief stint at Villanova University, he returned to Berea to teach in 1970, becoming Julian-Van Dusen professor in 1993. From 1992 to 2003 he served as chair of the History Department.  Nelson won the Seabury Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1996 and retired from Berea College in 2005. Nelson published eight...

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At Berea College for over thirty-five years, from 1962 to 1997, Paul Hager served both as the Director of Guidance and Testing (later Testing and Special Services) and as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.

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Richard Bryant Drake came to Berea College in 1957 after receiving his master’s degree from the University of Chicago and his doctoral degree from Emory University. During his tenure at Berea, Drake served as a professor of history and as the chairperson of the History and Political Science Department.

Abstract Robert Finley Spence graduated from the Berea College Foundation School and completed the Agricultural course of the Vocational School at Berea in 1914 before starting a forty year career as extension agent for Southern Madison and Rockcastle counties, Kentucky. Spence also taught courses at Berea College, worked with the Vocational School, and was heavily involved with the 4-H Club and other organizations in Kentucky. After retiring from his County Agent position in 1954, Spence became...

Abstract Robert H. Cowley was born in Lorain, Ohio, on October 25, 1871.  After graduating from Lorain High School, Cowley attended Oberlin College, and studied at Western Reserve Medical School in the late 1890s.      In 1904, after three years of practicing medicine, Cowley accepted an invitation from Berea College President, William Goddell Frost, to form a college health service.  During his thirty-five year tenure, Cowley served the Berea students, faculty and peoples of the areas surrounding...

Abstract Dr. Robert J. Schneider completed thirty-two years on the faculty of Berea College, retiring in 2001 as distinguished professor of general studies and professor of classical languages. He taught courses in Latin and Greek languages and literatures, and also general studies courses that explored topics in biblical literature, history of Christian thought, history of science, classical mythology, and contemporary fiction. His senior seminar at Berea College, "Science and Faith," allowed him to...

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These are the personal papers and records of Rolf Hovey, founder and director of the Berea College Chapel Choir and longtime Chairman of the Music Department.  Materials include writings, correspondence, teaching materials, student projects, and numerous subject files including information regarding Berea College organizations and groups.

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Roscoe Giffin was a member of the faculty of Berea College from 1949 until his death in January of 1962. He served as chairman of the Department of Sociology.  For the last two years of his life, he was on leave of absence, to serve with the American Friends Service in Philidelphia.