Pryor Scrapbook Dr. Joe, 1986

RICE UNIVERSITY GEORGE R. BROWN SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING P. 0 . BOX 1892 HOUSTON , TEXAS 77251 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING PETIT JEAN REUNION c/o Ms. Karen Roseberry, 1986 Editor Harding University, Box 230 Searcy, AR 72143 Dear Reunion Organizers: March 10, 1986 "Dr. Joe" Pryor is undoubtedly the most impressive individua1 I have ever known. Scho1ar, athlete, teacher, administrator and counselor, he effectively demonstrates the goal of "complete personhood" towards which we all strive. The influence for good that he has had on the lives of thousands of students is indellibly stamped on our adult memories. Through commitment, talent, humility and perseverance he has shown us what it means to be a total Chris– tian. This letter is written to extol some of his seemingly endless virtues. During the second half of the 50's, I was a chemistry/math major at Harding. Music and sports occupied a significant fraction of my extracurricular time, but never had journalism entered my mind. You can imagine my surprise when "Dr. Joe" asked me to consider running for Business Manager of the Petit Jean. A turning point in my life, that suggestion vastly expanded my horizons and led to my marrying the Editor (with Dr. Joe performing the ceremony!). It was "Dr. Joe" who suggested that I apply for graduate school, and his letters of recommendation led to my entering The Johns Hopkins University. The advanced math and chemistry courses that he taught adequately prepared me to complete the rigorous graduate program. His example as a professor spurred me to enter the teaching field, a decision that I have never regretted. It was his nomination that resulted in my receiving the AIC Scholar-Athlete Award in 1959. In writing recommendations for our students, I still rely on the same techniques he applied: I type all the letters myself! My mentor for over 30 years, "Dr. Joe" stands alone in my mind as the one person I would most liketo emulate. Respectfully, Joe W. Hig Joe W. Hightower, Ph.D.