12 LIFE AND WORn OF DR. A. A. MURPHREE
where the classic halls of the University he had served since
1909 grace a truly Florida setting, were particularly jubilant
when the news of his election came. It was a surprise, for
there had been no seeking of any honor-much less this signal
one-in the life of service that was President Murphree's.
The press of the state took up the word and many were the
heartfelt tributes from editors who had watched the University
of Florida mould itself into a great institution under his direc-
tion. They pointed out quite unanimously that the honor had
come because the outstanding accomplishment in higher edu-
cation in the state was Dr. Murphree's administration of the
University during the last decade; for during that time, with
a limited faculty, with less money invested in equipment and
buildings than many such institutions have, with needs grow-
ing so rapidly that facilities could never quite keep pace,
academic standards had been maintained, new colleges had
been formed in the University group, new departments had
been established, research work had gone forward, and the
many avenues of educational activity had been entered by the


University under his leadership.
 From one hundred and eighty-six students in 1909 to an
enrollment of more than two thousand in 1927-that has been
his record. But that is the barest outline of the tremendous
story lying between those years; the story of small beginnings,
far-sightedness, great faith, patience, and energy; the story of
the use of such tools as a man has, to perform lasting accom-
plishments.
 Such is the story of the entire life of Albert Alexander
Murphree. Typical of the great men our country has pro-
duced in this glorious age-south, north, east and west; clear-
eyed men who do not let obscure beginnings nor poverty nor
obstacles stand in the way of success; who count, when all is
done, that service has been their outstanding gain.
 Born in obscurity in a rural community in northern Ala-


bama, finding his education in the country schools, starting
out to teach when yet a boy; seeking more and more education,
and attaining higher positions in which to continue teaching;
finding his keenest happiness in administering to the develop-
ment of the minds and lives of growing young men and young