Hazel Lee Chrisman Collection

Hazel Lee Chrisman was born near Panola, Kentucky, on January 4, 1908. After graduating from Waco High School in Madison County, Kentucky, she went on to earn a degree from Berea College in 1928. Chrisman taught English at Berea High School and later in the Fayette County Public School system. In 1937, she earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Kentucky and taught at Elmhurst College in Illinois and at the University of Denver in Colorado.  In 1959, Hazel became the associate professor of English at Eastern Kentucky University, where she remained until her retirement. Chrisman was a Kentucky Colonel and prominent lecturer on Kentuckian literature, history, and culture. Hazel was also a member of the Kentucky Education Association, Phi Kappa Phi, and Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Society. She earned places in Kentucky Lives, Personalities of the South, Who’s Who of American Women, and the Dictionary of International Biography. Chrisman also received the Excellence in Teaching award from the College of the Arts and Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University.  Hazel received the second annual award presented by the Kentucky Council of Teachers of English for her outstanding contribution to her profession. The first recipient of this award was Jesse Stuart. Chrisman was a close friend and colleague of Jesse Stuart and his wife, Naomi. She introduced several of Jesse’s lectures and corresponded with the Stuarts for many years.  Chrisman passed away in 1988.