History of the Biology Department
The First 100 Years: 1909-2009
Department Faculty
G. T. Howerton – Professor of Biology, Geology,
and Geography. He was an original ECU faculty
member that was noted for his shocking biology
classes. Some of these included factual
discussions of human reproduction processes,
dissection of animal bodies, and evolution.
Early Faculty Members
At A Glance
Edison A. MacMillan
1912- ?
Marvin P. Hatchett
1922-1951
-Marvin P. Hatchett taught many students in
his time at ECU, including future faculty
member Doyle McCoy, and Hallie Brown Ford.
Researched by Dr. Nick Cheper Poster 1 of 2
Gilman Mackin Dr. Thomas McKnight
1926-???? 1947-1975
Mackin specialized in invertebrate
zoology and was a tennis coach. Current
Biology Dept. chair, Dr. Nick Cheper,
utilized several references from Mackin’s
work in his dissertation on isopods.
Dr. McKnight was department chair from 1952-
1975. He played a crucial role in establishing the
Medical Technology, Nursing, & Environmental
Sciences Programs here at ECU. Dr. McKnight
also obtained grants from NSF to help improve
laboratories. Two of his students include Dr. Bill
Dr. Churchill Thomas Carter, ECU faculty member, and Dr. Bill S. Cole,
president of ECU.
ECU Botanist – 1930s
Dr. Thomas examined the fossil of the Callixylon tree that is Dr. Doyle McCoy
now prominently on display on the campus of ECU, just outside 1950-1959
of Horace Mann. The tree was found on the Fitts property, just
1962-1966
outside of Ada, in 1930.
Biology Department
1940s – 1950s
Dr. Clifford Dennis
1950-1963
 History of the Biology Department
The First 100 Years: 1909-2009
Researched by Dr. Nick Cheper Poster 2 of 2

Biology Dept. Current Biology Dept.

Faculty
1980-Present

Dr. Elmer Brown Dr. William A. Carter

1961-2000 1964-1995 Terry Cluck Rahmona Charlie Biles Mike Bay
*Dept. Chair: 1982-85 *Dept. Chair: 1976-81 - Thompson - -

&1988-95 1990-Present 1991-Present 1993-Present 1995-Present

Dr. Nicholas Cheper

1980-Present
*Dept. Chair: 1996-Present

Larry Choate Ken Andrews Steve Fields

Dr. Don Noble 1995-Present 2000-Present 2007-Present
Dr. Clyde
1965-1993 Butler
1966-1991 Biology Dept.
*Dept Chair: 1986
1982-1985

Dr. Harry Love

1967-1990

Three Biology Dept. Chairs (from L to R):

Biology Dept. Dr. Jeff Black Bill Carter, Nick Cheper, & Elmer Brown

1978 1988-1995
 Chemistry – Then and Now East Central University
East Central University Ada, OK 74820
www.ecok.edu
Department of Chemistry

Faculty: Past and Present Chemical Equipment:

Past and Present

Dr. Willis Decker and Dr. Paul Denny (not Dr. Robert L. Neman Dr. Dwight Myers Weights for Analytical
pictured) were the first two Chemistry Faculty 1979-2007 1993 - present Balance
Two-pan Analytical
Balance (ca. 1960)

Dr. Charles Crittell Dr. Dan McInnes

Chemistry Faculty in 1986 1995 - present 1996 – present
L to R: Dr. Don Stafford, Dr. Carl Eddington,
Dr. Robert Neman, Dr. E.J. (Bernie) O'Brien

Modern Analytical
Calculation: Past and Balance
Present
Dr. Matthew Marlow
2007 - present
Molecular Models

The Pocket Calculator (and the Mr. Fred Pfeffer

Computer Spreadsheet) have Often teaches Labs Physical Model of Sodium Computer Generated
replaced the Slide Rule for us Chloride NaCl (s) Model of Co(OH)3 (g)
 Biology Clubs Over The Years
Researched by Dr. Cheper

Biology Student Clubs have changed

over the years since they
were first organized in 1922. We
would like to commemorate and
remember these clubs and our Biology Club in 1996 Biology Club in 2000
students in this our Centennial Year.
Biology Club in 1964

Biology Club in 1948

Dead Rat Society in 2000 and 2003

Biology Club in 1969 (note

student in white dress - Ms. Angela Biology Club in 1972
Ables of ECU Foundation)

The Biology Club was first

organized in 1922 by
Professor M. P. Hatchett.
(Above in circle) Biology Club in 2005
Biology Club in 1981 - In picture is Todd
Crabtree (Byng Superintendent)
Biology Club in 1985
and Gary Robinson (Director of MSC PTA
program)

Biology Club in 2009

Biology Club in 1989 Biology Club in 1992
Biology Club in 1950
1971-1972 1972-1973 1973-1974 1974-1975 1975-1976 1976-1977 1977-1978 1978-1979 1979-1980 1980-1981 1981-1982 1982-1983 1983-1984 1984-1985 1985-1986 1986-1987 1987-1988 1988-1989 1989-1990 1990-1991

Dr. B.J.. Tillman Asmare Atalay Dr. Daniel Boatwright

Director Dr. Robert Garner Dean (1973-1979) William Galegar 1981
1986 1989-1990
(1971-1972)

Dr. Ralph Ramsey 1971-1974 Chairman (1974) Mickey Rowe Chairman (1975-1989)

Steve Schmelling 1977-1988

Dr. Laurin Patton 1978-1982

Dr. Ralph Ramsey Dr. Robert Garner Mickey Rowe Dr. Steve Schmelling Dr. Laurin Patton William Galegar Dr. Asmare Atalay Dr. Daniel Boatwright
Dr. B. J. Tillman

Dr. Paul Woodson Patrick Bohan

Jay Moore Dr. Doug Weirick Dr. Darryl Barnett Dr. Guy Sewell

1991-1992 1992-1993 1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009

Dr. Darryl Barnett 2000-2001

Chairman (2000) Patrick Bohan 2002-2009
Jay Moore 1992 Jay Moore 1994-1998
R.S.Kern Chairman

Mickey Rowe 1974-1994 Mickey Rowe 1996

Dr. Guy Sewell 2003-2009
R.S.Kern Chairman
Dr. Paul Woodson 1991-2001 Chairman (1994-1995, 1997-1998)

Dr. Doug Weirick 1993-2009 Interim Chairman ( 2002-2003) Chairman (2004-2009)

CENTURY

Honoring The Past

Captain William L. Roddie

Born in 1840, Captain William L. Roddie was the oldest member of the original E.C.U. faculty. A Confederate veteran, he had a battle scar across his nose that was the result of a saber wound received during the War between the States. Inquiries about that scar frequently encouraged the Captain to launch into detailed accounts about its origin as well as his other wartime exploits. Roddie's son was Oklahoma State Senator Reuben Roddie, who worked to secure the location of the state normal school at Ada. When his son's efforts proved successful, Captain Roddie found a place on the faculty and taught history and political science to packed classes. Roddie retired from E.C.U. in 1919.
By Houston Mount

OF

Palmer H. Boeger

Dr. Boeger was a professor of history at ECU from 1953 to 1989, retiring
as chairman of the university’s history department after 36 years of
Captain William L. Roddie teaching. He continued teaching on a part-time basis from 1989 to 2001.
Louise Sloan Hornbeak He received his bacehlor’s, masters and Ph.D. degrees from the
Born in 1840, Captain William L. Roddie was the oldest University of Wisconsin.
member of the original E.C.U. faculty. In 1923, Louise Hornbeak came to East Central State Teachers College as
ECU History Department 2009
a professor of European history. She retired as the history department He is remembered locally as a fixture at the Travertine Nature Center in
A Confederate veteran, he had a battle scar across his chair in 1963 before officially retiring from teaching in 1967. During those the Chickasaw National Recreation Area where he often worked as an
nose that was the result of a saber wound received during Pictured from left to right, back row: Dr. Thomas W. Cowger, Professor of History, Chair, Chickasaw
44 years, she greatly influenced thousands of students through her interpretative ranger in the summer months from 1969 to 1993.
the War between the States. Inquiries about that Endowed Chair; Dr. Christopher B. Bean, Assistant Professor of History; Dr. Bradley R. Clampitt, Assistant
energetic lectures, countless hours of study and preparation, and a
scar frequently encouraged the Captain to launch into Professor of History;
willingness always to go the extra mile for her students.
detailed accounts about its origin as well as his other
wartime exploits. Front row: Dr. Gregory K. Sutton, Assistant Professor of History; Dr. Linda Reese, Associate Professor of
Aside from teaching, Hornbeak traveled extensively. From 1929 – 1930,
History; Dr. Houston F. Mount, Assistant Professor of History
she was on leave from East Central while traveling through Europe with the
Roddie's son was Oklahoma State Senator Reuben purpose of gaining a better understanding of European history. In 1932,
Roddie, who worked to secure the location of the state Hornbeak spent time in Russia during Stalin’s regime at a time when the History department faculty are professionally active throughout the academic year participating in
normal school at Ada. When his son's efforts proved state was collectivizing farms, and famine was sweeping the countryside. conferences, presenting papers and lectures, writing grants, authoring book reviews, articles and book
successful, Captain Roddie found a place on the faculty She was considered an authority on the Russian Revolution. chapters. Department members also serve on numerous community, university and professional committees
and taught history and political science to packed and boards. We continue to partner with the Department of Education and staff of the Teaching American
classes. Hornbeak’s legacy lives on at ECU through one of the largest gifts that the History Grant and the Center for the Advancement of American History at East Central.
university has ever received. Upon her death on Nov. 5, 1990, Hornbeak
Roddie retired from E.C.U. in 1919. bequeathed her estate to the university, totaling nearly $1 million. The The newly created Native American Studies programs (major and minor) serve the American Indian
funds were used to establish the Louise Hornbeak History Scholarship. constituency of ECU’s student body and represent a landmark achievement in partnering effectively with
The award allows Hornbeak Scholars to attend ECU for four years with all local Indian communities. It makes use of the strengths of university faculty members in history, political
By Houston Mount expenses paid. There were nine students in the inaugural group of science, business, nursing, legal studies, art, English, human resources and other disciplines.
Hornbeak Scholars and since the first year, one new scholar is awarded the
scholarship each year. Through these efforts and a strong dedication teaching, our faculty stands ready to help our students
prepare for and meet the challenges ahead, both academically and professionally.
By Susan Ingram James Harris, Marvin Kroeker, Palmer Boeger, Lloyd Goss 1982

Left to right:
Dr. Judy Goforth
Parker, Dr. Cole,
Kennedy Brown,
Chickasaw
Foundation
Dr. Thomas W.
Cowger

Dr. Duane Anderson Dr. Scott Barton Dr. Michael A. Hughes

Professor of History Professor of History Adjunct Professor of
Native Voices Project Provost Dean of College of History
Back row, left to right: Dr. Bradley R. Clampitt; Richard Cooper, Master Teacher, TAH
Kyle Gardner – First-Year Experience Coordinator Liberal Arts and
Grant; Dr. Thomas W. Cowger
Shawna Jackson – Retention Specialist
Sciences
Palmer
Front row: Mitchelle Barton, TAH H. BoegerKevin Lynch, Master Teacher,
Project Coordinator;
Patricia Frasher – Data Collection Specialist
Renee Hogue – Project Director
TAH Grant; Dr. Linda Reese

Enabling Academic Success

HISTORY

Shaping The Future

Kate K. Knight
E. E. Matthews
Glenn C. Clark
Alfred L. Fentem
R. S. Newcomb
Grace Threlkeld
E. E. Heimann
Brown Mackin
James O. Danley
Robert Tinney
Darrell Terrell
Donald Stafford
Phillip Briggs
Gene Stephenson
James Herndon
Knight
Kenneth Brady
Fentem
Burt Burns
Philip Almes
Ray Hamlett
Heimann Rita Edwards
Mickle Duggan
Anita Walker
Eugene Hobbs
Terrell
Dragan Jancović
Patricia Grasse
David Rose
John Coleman
Anne Fine
Kerry Johnson
David Pike
Briggs Linda Braddy
Robert Ferdinand
Stephenson
Meredith Wort
John Davenport
Heather Hannah
Noel Sagullo
Janet Wansick
Edmon Perkins
Brady Andrei Ghenciu

Duggan

Hannah
 How Different Was 1909? Three Theories of Social Change
Fewer Kids, Longer Lives The 21st Century: Wild Times? God & Country
When society changes rapidly, it’s In 1909 the U.S. was a very religious, very
In the old days, human populations ability to put limits on individuals’Protestant nation. Most Americans believed

ECU Sociology
had high birth and death rates. behavior is reduced. Fast-changing,that all Americans should be Christian and
Technological advancement lowers that non-Christian immigrants should convert
modern, societies experience
to Christianity. Attempts were made to keep
death rates by allowing more food
production, better medicine, & other anomie—literally “normlessness.”
Catholics and Jews out of the U.S. Schools
innovations. As populations grow In periods of anomie, around the U.S. began the day with a
and society industrializes, fewer individuals are less prayer. In 2009 the U.S. is still a very
people farm and kids become an religious nation, but less so than in
constrained by society
economic liability instead of an the past. A growing percentage
asset. Families choose to have fewer
and more likely to (about 12%) of Americans are non-
children. Demographic Transition engage in selfish believers, and a large majority of
Theory accurately predicts reduced behavior. Emile Americans believe that religion is a
birth rates in developed societies Durkheim used very private matter—and that
to go with sinking death rates. immigrants should be allowed to
social indicators such practice whatever religion they
In fact, most developed societies’
birth rates are so low that As suicide, divorce, and crime rates
choose. Despite resistance, the U.S.
populations would shrink each year to demonstrate the presence of Supreme Court has moved closer to Thomas
if not for immigration. anomie in a society. Jefferson’s vision of a “separation of church
and state.”
The secularization
1909 2009 thesis is the idea
Homicide Rate 4.2 5.9 that, as a society
develops techno-
(per 100,000 pop.)
ECU Sociology

logically and eco-

Suicide rate 14 11.1 nomically, religious
(per 100,000 pop.) belief and practice
fade. While a majority
Divorce rate (per 0.9 3.6 of Americans believe in
1000 pop.) god, today only about
As the stats show, in 25% attend weekly
some ways the “good ole church services regularly.
days” may not have been
as stable as we often
assume! Early 20th
Century America was
a time of rapid change;
1909 2009 people 100 years ago

4.6 2.58
Average faced similar problems.
Family
Size