Temple College's Second President, Dr. L.C. Procter (1928-1939)
Dr. L.C. Procter, superintendent of the Temple public schools, also became the second president of Temple Junior College in 1928. While the college was a part of the public school system, the superintendent also served as the college’s president. Procter held degrees from Texas Christian University and had been superintendent of Temple public schools since 1921. He was also instrumental in the establishment of a college in Temple, having served on the Junior College Committee of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. Procter left Temple in 1939 after three years of controversy. In 1936, the Temple School Board offered him a three-year contract, which was later vetoed by the Temple City Commissioners. Procter protested this decision and eventually the issue was settled by the Texas Supreme Court in 1937, after which he served out the remainder of his contract before moving on to work for the Texas Education Agency.
Highlights of Dr. L.C. Procter’s presidency
September: Temple Junior College began its first academic year as part of the Temple public school system. As part of the school system, the college shared administrators and faculty with Temple High School and held classes during the day, instead of the evening. On the 26th, the college announced that it would form a football team.
October: On the 2nd, the Luncheon Club met for the first time. The Luncheon Club, founded in order to familiarize students with service organizations in the business world, included the entire student body and was the longest-lasting social club in the college’s history. On the 11th, Temple Junior College played its first football game against Westminster Junior College and won 13 to 2. On the 22nd, music was introduced through the formation of glee and choral clubs.
November: A pep squad was formed to support the football team. They wore orange wool sweaters with a black leopard’s head. On the 14th, the newly formed French Club met for the first time.