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Dr. Frank Deerwester was educated
at Butler College, the Second District Normal School in Warrensburg,
New York University, the University of Chicago and Harvard. He
also spent a year in Germany studying at universities in Jena
and Berlin.
Though president for only one year, Dr. Deerwester had an important
impact on the fledgling Fifth District Normal School. He designed
the first curriculum and implemented high academic standards in
accordance with state requirements for teacher training. In addition,
Dr. Deerwester fought early funding battles with regard to construction
of the Administration Building and other issues.
Dr. Deerwester was relieved by the Board of Regents after a single
year. His fall from grace came as the result of a town squabble
in which one faction campaigned for his removal, possibly due
to his insistence on academic performance and accountability.
But much of his original program – including fiscal responsibility,
sound administrative procedures and classroom rigor – was
soon reinstated.
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