Opelika-Auburn News, January 29, 2008
Harry M. Philpott, 90, president emeritus of Auburn University, died early Monday at Bethany House in Auburn after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Auburn on Friday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. Drs. Jim Evans and John Jeffers will conduct the service. A private burial will take place at Memorial Cemetery.
Commenting on Dr. Philpott's service to the state and region, former governor Albert Brewer stated "he was an unexcelled leader in public education in Alabama. Shortly after he came to Auburn, he was asked to chair the Alabama Education Study Commission. His report on behalf of the Commission became the basis for the 1969 education program which revitalized public education in our state. As president of Auburn University he gave more than 14 years of inspired leadership to Auburn and to higher education. Generations yet unborn will benefit from his remarkable and unselfish leadership. With his superior intellect and management skills, he was blessed with wit and humor which he shared generously with his friends who mourn the loss of this noble man," said Brewer.
Philpott was born in Basset, VA and attended public schools there and in Lexington, NC. He was the son of the late B.C. and Daisy Hundley Philpott. He received the A.B. Degree from Washington and Lee University and a Ph.D. from Yale. He received honorary degrees from Washington and Lee, Stetson, University of Florida, University of Alabama, Samford and Auburn.
In 1965, he was named president of Auburn University and the Philpott family moved to Auburn from the University of
Florida where he was executive vice president from 1957-1965. He served as president of Auburn until retirement in 1980. "It was my privilege to represent Auburn University as its state senator while Dr. Philpott was president. He was a great person and provided inspired leadership for Auburn. During his tenure he worked to improve the faculty and raise academic standards to its highest level," said former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice C.C. "Bo" Torbert. "It was an honor for me to work with a man with such a love for education and high ethical standards," said Torbert.
In spite of an increase in enrollment from 12,000 to 18,000 during his administration, Philpott placed a high emphasis on a personal style of teaching and said that a diploma from Auburn should carry a pledge that the person had received a quality education. Perhaps Philpott's proudest achievement was the awarding of a record number of degrees. In his 14 years as president, he personally awarded 47,823 degrees, more than one-half of the degrees awarded in the 123-year history of the university at that time. This includes twp degrees given to current president,
Dr. Jay Gogue.
In Philpott's administration, the University added 28 new buildings, including the Leach Nuclear Science Center, Haley Center, Memorial Coliseum, Veterinary Medicine facilities on Wire Road, Swingle Hall, Pharmacy Building and the Fine Arts complex, which was named the Harry M. Philpott Fine Arts Center. Auburn University at Montgomery was established and the first class admitted in 1969. The 500-acre campus enrollment had reached almost 4,000 in 1976. In his years as president the total operating budget more than tripled from $35 million to $140 million, the permanent endowment increased from $4 million to $23 million and organized research from $7 to $17 million.
Philpott was an active participant in the Southern Regional Education Board, serving as its chairman in 1975. He served in several leadership positions of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges including chairman of the executive committee and president and chairman of the association in 1977-78.
In appreciation for his service on its board, the West Point Pepperell Foundation established two Harry M. Philpott eminent scholar chairs, one in engineering and the other in English.
He was a long time member of the 4-H Foundation and was active in the First Baptist Church and the Alabama Academy of Honor.
In addition to other memberships and honors Philpott was recently given the W.S. Bailey Award for outstanding service to Auburn University by the AU Retiree Association.
His 90th birthday was observed on May 5, 2007, with a big party, highlighted by music from a group of students from the AU marching band.
Dr. Philpott's wife of 59 years, Pauline Breck Philpott, died in 2004. Two sons, H. Melvin Jr., an Benjamin Cabell II are also deceased.
Other family members are daughters Virginia L. Philpott, New York City and Jean T. Bankester (Mel), Pensacola; daughter-in-law Anne Philpott, Madison, GA, and grandchildren Harlan and Breck Bankester and Ben and Britt Philpott.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the Harry M. Philpott Scholarship Fund at Auburn
University.
Fredericks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Harry M. Philpott, 90, president emeritus of Auburn University, died early Monday at Bethany House in Auburn after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Auburn on Friday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. Drs. Jim Evans and John Jeffers will conduct the service. A private burial will take place at Memorial Cemetery.
Commenting on Dr. Philpott's service to the state and region, former governor Albert Brewer stated "he was an unexcelled leader in public education in Alabama. Shortly after he came to Auburn, he was asked to chair the Alabama Education Study Commission. His report on behalf of the Commission became the basis for the 1969 education program which revitalized public education in our state. As president of Auburn University he gave more than 14 years of inspired leadership to Auburn and to higher education. Generations yet unborn will benefit from his remarkable and unselfish leadership. With his superior intellect and management skills, he was blessed with wit and humor which he shared generously with his friends who mourn the loss of this noble man," said Brewer.
Philpott was born in Basset, VA and attended public schools there and in Lexington, NC. He was the son of the late B.C. and Daisy Hundley Philpott. He received the A.B. Degree from Washington and Lee University and a Ph.D. from Yale. He received honorary degrees from Washington and Lee, Stetson, University of Florida, University of Alabama, Samford and Auburn.
In 1965, he was named president of Auburn University and the Philpott family moved to Auburn from the University of
Florida where he was executive vice president from 1957-1965. He served as president of Auburn until retirement in 1980. "It was my privilege to represent Auburn University as its state senator while Dr. Philpott was president. He was a great person and provided inspired leadership for Auburn. During his tenure he worked to improve the faculty and raise academic standards to its highest level," said former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice C.C. "Bo" Torbert. "It was an honor for me to work with a man with such a love for education and high ethical standards," said Torbert.
In spite of an increase in enrollment from 12,000 to 18,000 during his administration, Philpott placed a high emphasis on a personal style of teaching and said that a diploma from Auburn should carry a pledge that the person had received a quality education. Perhaps Philpott's proudest achievement was the awarding of a record number of degrees. In his 14 years as president, he personally awarded 47,823 degrees, more than one-half of the degrees awarded in the 123-year history of the university at that time. This includes twp degrees given to current president,
Dr. Jay Gogue.
In Philpott's administration, the University added 28 new buildings, including the Leach Nuclear Science Center, Haley Center, Memorial Coliseum, Veterinary Medicine facilities on Wire Road, Swingle Hall, Pharmacy Building and the Fine Arts complex, which was named the Harry M. Philpott Fine Arts Center. Auburn University at Montgomery was established and the first class admitted in 1969. The 500-acre campus enrollment had reached almost 4,000 in 1976. In his years as president the total operating budget more than tripled from $35 million to $140 million, the permanent endowment increased from $4 million to $23 million and organized research from $7 to $17 million.
Philpott was an active participant in the Southern Regional Education Board, serving as its chairman in 1975. He served in several leadership positions of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges including chairman of the executive committee and president and chairman of the association in 1977-78.
In appreciation for his service on its board, the West Point Pepperell Foundation established two Harry M. Philpott eminent scholar chairs, one in engineering and the other in English.
He was a long time member of the 4-H Foundation and was active in the First Baptist Church and the Alabama Academy of Honor.
In addition to other memberships and honors Philpott was recently given the W.S. Bailey Award for outstanding service to Auburn University by the AU Retiree Association.
His 90th birthday was observed on May 5, 2007, with a big party, highlighted by music from a group of students from the AU marching band.
Dr. Philpott's wife of 59 years, Pauline Breck Philpott, died in 2004. Two sons, H. Melvin Jr., an Benjamin Cabell II are also deceased.
Other family members are daughters Virginia L. Philpott, New York City and Jean T. Bankester (Mel), Pensacola; daughter-in-law Anne Philpott, Madison, GA, and grandchildren Harlan and Breck Bankester and Ben and Britt Philpott.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the Harry M. Philpott Scholarship Fund at Auburn
University.
Fredericks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Opelika-Auburn News, January 29, 2008
Harry M. Philpott, 90, president emeritus of Auburn University, died early Monday at Bethany House in Auburn after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Auburn on Friday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. Drs. Jim Evans and John Jeffers will conduct the service. A private burial will take place at Memorial Cemetery.
Commenting on Dr. Philpott's service to the state and region, former governor Albert Brewer stated "he was an unexcelled leader in public education in Alabama. Shortly after he came to Auburn, he was asked to chair the Alabama Education Study Commission. His report on behalf of the Commission became the basis for the 1969 education program which revitalized public education in our state. As president of Auburn University he gave more than 14 years of inspired leadership to Auburn and to higher education. Generations yet unborn will benefit from his remarkable and unselfish leadership. With his superior intellect and management skills, he was blessed with wit and humor which he shared generously with his friends who mourn the loss of this noble man," said Brewer.
Philpott was born in Basset, VA and attended public schools there and in Lexington, NC. He was the son of the late B.C. and Daisy Hundley Philpott. He received the A.B. Degree from Washington and Lee University and a Ph.D. from Yale. He received honorary degrees from Washington and Lee, Stetson, University of Florida, University of Alabama, Samford and Auburn.
In 1965, he was named president of Auburn University and the Philpott family moved to Auburn from the University of
Florida where he was executive vice president from 1957-1965. He served as president of Auburn until retirement in 1980. "It was my privilege to represent Auburn University as its state senator while Dr. Philpott was president. He was a great person and provided inspired leadership for Auburn. During his tenure he worked to improve the faculty and raise academic standards to its highest level," said former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice C.C. "Bo" Torbert. "It was an honor for me to work with a man with such a love for education and high ethical standards," said Torbert.
In spite of an increase in enrollment from 12,000 to 18,000 during his administration, Philpott placed a high emphasis on a personal style of teaching and said that a diploma from Auburn should carry a pledge that the person had received a quality education. Perhaps Philpott's proudest achievement was the awarding of a record number of degrees. In his 14 years as president, he personally awarded 47,823 degrees, more than one-half of the degrees awarded in the 123-year history of the university at that time. This includes twp degrees given to current president,
Dr. Jay Gogue.
In Philpott's administration, the University added 28 new buildings, including the Leach Nuclear Science Center, Haley Center, Memorial Coliseum, Veterinary Medicine facilities on Wire Road, Swingle Hall, Pharmacy Building and the Fine Arts complex, which was named the Harry M. Philpott Fine Arts Center. Auburn University at Montgomery was established and the first class admitted in 1969. The 500-acre campus enrollment had reached almost 4,000 in 1976. In his years as president the total operating budget more than tripled from $35 million to $140 million, the permanent endowment increased from $4 million to $23 million and organized research from $7 to $17 million.
Philpott was an active participant in the Southern Regional Education Board, serving as its chairman in 1975. He served in several leadership positions of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges including chairman of the executive committee and president and chairman of the association in 1977-78.
In appreciation for his service on its board, the West Point Pepperell Foundation established two Harry M. Philpott eminent scholar chairs, one in engineering and the other in English.
He was a long time member of the 4-H Foundation and was active in the First Baptist Church and the Alabama Academy of Honor.
In addition to other memberships and honors Philpott was recently given the W.S. Bailey Award for outstanding service to Auburn University by the AU Retiree Association.
His 90th birthday was observed on May 5, 2007, with a big party, highlighted by music from a group of students from the AU marching band.
Dr. Philpott's wife of 59 years, Pauline Breck Philpott, died in 2004. Two sons, H. Melvin Jr., an Benjamin Cabell II are also deceased.
Other family members are daughters Virginia L. Philpott, New York City and Jean T. Bankester (Mel), Pensacola; daughter-in-law Anne Philpott, Madison, GA, and grandchildren Harlan and Breck Bankester and Ben and Britt Philpott.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the Harry M. Philpott Scholarship Fund at Auburn
University.
Fredericks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Harry M. Philpott, 90, president emeritus of Auburn University, died early Monday at Bethany House in Auburn after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Auburn on Friday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. Drs. Jim Evans and John Jeffers will conduct the service. A private burial will take place at Memorial Cemetery.
Commenting on Dr. Philpott's service to the state and region, former governor Albert Brewer stated "he was an unexcelled leader in public education in Alabama. Shortly after he came to Auburn, he was asked to chair the Alabama Education Study Commission. His report on behalf of the Commission became the basis for the 1969 education program which revitalized public education in our state. As president of Auburn University he gave more than 14 years of inspired leadership to Auburn and to higher education. Generations yet unborn will benefit from his remarkable and unselfish leadership. With his superior intellect and management skills, he was blessed with wit and humor which he shared generously with his friends who mourn the loss of this noble man," said Brewer.
Philpott was born in Basset, VA and attended public schools there and in Lexington, NC. He was the son of the late B.C. and Daisy Hundley Philpott. He received the A.B. Degree from Washington and Lee University and a Ph.D. from Yale. He received honorary degrees from Washington and Lee, Stetson, University of Florida, University of Alabama, Samford and Auburn.
In 1965, he was named president of Auburn University and the Philpott family moved to Auburn from the University of
Florida where he was executive vice president from 1957-1965. He served as president of Auburn until retirement in 1980. "It was my privilege to represent Auburn University as its state senator while Dr. Philpott was president. He was a great person and provided inspired leadership for Auburn. During his tenure he worked to improve the faculty and raise academic standards to its highest level," said former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice C.C. "Bo" Torbert. "It was an honor for me to work with a man with such a love for education and high ethical standards," said Torbert.
In spite of an increase in enrollment from 12,000 to 18,000 during his administration, Philpott placed a high emphasis on a personal style of teaching and said that a diploma from Auburn should carry a pledge that the person had received a quality education. Perhaps Philpott's proudest achievement was the awarding of a record number of degrees. In his 14 years as president, he personally awarded 47,823 degrees, more than one-half of the degrees awarded in the 123-year history of the university at that time. This includes twp degrees given to current president,
Dr. Jay Gogue.
In Philpott's administration, the University added 28 new buildings, including the Leach Nuclear Science Center, Haley Center, Memorial Coliseum, Veterinary Medicine facilities on Wire Road, Swingle Hall, Pharmacy Building and the Fine Arts complex, which was named the Harry M. Philpott Fine Arts Center. Auburn University at Montgomery was established and the first class admitted in 1969. The 500-acre campus enrollment had reached almost 4,000 in 1976. In his years as president the total operating budget more than tripled from $35 million to $140 million, the permanent endowment increased from $4 million to $23 million and organized research from $7 to $17 million.
Philpott was an active participant in the Southern Regional Education Board, serving as its chairman in 1975. He served in several leadership positions of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges including chairman of the executive committee and president and chairman of the association in 1977-78.
In appreciation for his service on its board, the West Point Pepperell Foundation established two Harry M. Philpott eminent scholar chairs, one in engineering and the other in English.
He was a long time member of the 4-H Foundation and was active in the First Baptist Church and the Alabama Academy of Honor.
In addition to other memberships and honors Philpott was recently given the W.S. Bailey Award for outstanding service to Auburn University by the AU Retiree Association.
His 90th birthday was observed on May 5, 2007, with a big party, highlighted by music from a group of students from the AU marching band.
Dr. Philpott's wife of 59 years, Pauline Breck Philpott, died in 2004. Two sons, H. Melvin Jr., an Benjamin Cabell II are also deceased.
Other family members are daughters Virginia L. Philpott, New York City and Jean T. Bankester (Mel), Pensacola; daughter-in-law Anne Philpott, Madison, GA, and grandchildren Harlan and Breck Bankester and Ben and Britt Philpott.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the Harry M. Philpott Scholarship Fund at Auburn
University.
Fredericks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
