Albert Alexander Murphree Papers
Scope and Content
Series P5 contains the personal papers of Albert Alexander Murphree, second president of the University of Florida, primarily related to family affairs, civic and religious organizations, and his personal finances. Included is correspondence related to the Board of Trustees of the Peabody College for Teachers.
Dates
- Creation: 1908-1927
Creator
Access
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Biographical/Historical Note
Albert Alexander Murphree was born on 29 April 1870 in the village of Walnut Grove, Alabama. He spent his childhood years there and attended the local academy. He enrolled in the University of Nashville where he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1894.
Murphree's professional career before coming to Florida was limited to teaching mathematics, a favorite subject of his, at high schools and small colleges across the South. In 1895, he received an appointment as instructor of mathematics at the West Florida Seminary in Tallahassee. Two years later, he assumed the presidency of that institution. The same year, he married Jennie Henderson, daughter of a seminary trustee. Seeing the need for college level education in western Florida, Murphree expanded and upgraded the seminary’s curriculum. In 1901, the seminary became the Florida State College. Murphree gave his duties as president a personal touch by participating as coach in such activities as drama, football, and basketball.
When the Florida legislature created a new state university in 1905, Murphree was the Board of Education’s favorite for the post of president. The Board of Control and Governor Broward, however, preferred Andrew Sledd, president of the University of Florida at Lake City, who received the appointment as the University of Florida’s first president. Murphree stayed in Tallahassee and served as the first president of the Florida State College for Women. When political pressure forced Sledd's resignation in 1909, Murphree was chosen to be his successor.
Upon his arrival in Gainesville, Murphree immediately reorganized the University into four academic colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Law, the College of Agriculture, and the College of Engineering. The Graduate School was also created in that year. A Teachers' College and Normal School were established in 1912, a School of Pharmacy in 1924, a School of Architecture in 1925, and the College of Commerce and Journalism in 1927. During his term some forty-six buildings were erected, including ten major structures.
Murphree encouraged faculty participation in the running of the University by forming a number of standing committees to oversee curriculum, student affairs, and public relations. He stressed the importance of faculty involvement in professional and civic organizations and set an example by serving on the Florida State Teacher's Association, the National Education Association, the National Association of State Universities (vice-president, 1921), and the Florida State Educational Association (president, 1906). A Baptist, he led several denominational brotherhoods.
Murphree died in his sleep on December 20, 1927. Vice President James Farr served as acting president until the arrival of John J. Tigert in September, 1928.
Extent
0.8 Linear feet (2 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Personal papers of Albert Alexander Murphree, second president of the University of Florida. The papers consist primarily of letters and financial documents.
Arrangment
This collection is arranged into two subseries: "Subseries 1: Correspondence" and "Subseries 2: Papers."
Physical Location
University of Florida Smathers Library Building
Subject
- Murphree, Albert Alexander, 1908-1985. -- Correspondence. (Person)
- Florida State College. (Organization)
- Title
- A Guide to the Albert Alexander Murphree Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid created by Dept. Staff
- Date
- January 2012
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Prepared Using Dacs
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Description is written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Repository
George A. Smathers Libraries
PO Box 117005
Gainesville Florida 32611-7005 United States of America
352-273-2755
special@uflib.ufl.edu