LIFE AND WORK OF DR. A. A. MURPHREE


spirit that had prevailed in the co-educational I
tinued among the girls. The school grew rapidly.
 "Among my other duties, I had charge of
Problems in discipline dropped perceptibly when v
the girl students.


school con-

discipline.
ye had only


 "Dr. Murphree was outstanding as an organizer and a
leader. He was equal to almost any emergency. When the
fire came and burned up one of the dormitories during Christ-
mas vacation, it cast a decided cloud over the college. What
to do? Dr. Murphree set about in finding a place for every
girl who had roomed in that dormitory. He even rented and


remodeled some small cottages. When the girls cai
every one of them had a place to stay and the schoc
right along as if nothing had ever happened."
 Mrs. J. W. McCollum of Gainesville, Presideni
Florida State College for Women Alumnae Associat
one of the students of the college in those days.
given this tribute to Dr. Murphree's educational leade
 "As an educator, Dr. Murphree's life has been
warp and woof of the whole educational system of
He was always loyal to the highest standards of the
profession. He proved his interest in education by
ing both himself and his personal salary that better
might be given to the world. His help to those whi


ne back,
,1 moved


. of The
ion, was
She has
rship:
the very
Florida.
teaching
sacrific-
teachers
o wished


to find a way to a college education cannot be estimated, either
at the State College for Women or at the University of Florida.
 "As an executive, Dr. Murphree had an enviable record.
His constructive policies were inaugurated and furthered
without friction. He had the happy faculty and rare execu-
tive gift of winning from every subordinate his most effective
service.
 "It is said of Dr. Murphree that never was he heard to


make an unwise or unnecessary utterance in the pursuance of
his duties. Upon one occasion his humility was remarked.
An associate complimented him upon a talk made to a group
of students, saying that was the best speech he had ever heard;
 "Dr. Murphree replied, 'No, I am not satisfied with that
message.'