The author's favorite Whitman figures

(From Tradition in a Turbulent Age, by G. Thomas Edwards)

While in his two volumes of Whitman history, Tom Edwards recalls numerous interesting and important people, his own favorite figure is Stephen B. L. Penrose, who led the College from 1894 to 1934.

I would have enjoyed meeting President Penrose and conversing with him about education and the history of higher education. He is the single most important person in Whitman’s history. . . . I admire him for giving his life to the betterment of the Whitman community, Walla Walla, and his adopted state of Washington. He was the best known president of the College; people across the state knew him and respected his mind and character.”

In addition, Edwards names professor of English Tom Howells (1938-1977) as one of the most vibrant faculty members to walk the pages of Whitman history.

“Howells was a superb teacher — I heard this from many alumni and from students when I was on the same faculty with him. . . . He was an enthusiastic proponent of the liberal arts, especially literature. But he was more than a teacher. He was a splendid adviser who assisted all kinds of people — professors as well as students — in meeting the difficulties of life.

“Tom did more to advance the professional-ization of the faculty than any other individual. He fought hard to advance the faculty voice in college governance. Although he did not publish, he sympathized with those who wanted to publish.
“Howells was principled and courageous.

I saw him lead at meetings of the AAUP, the faculty, and gatherings considering various issues. He stood his ground against [President] Maxey and [Dean] Santler when he felt they were arbitrary and domineering. Yet these two men, like the faculty in general, greatly respected Howells. . . .

“Today’s faculty owes much to the gentle Howells who always took an interest in his colleagues, no matter their rank or reputation.”

About Tradition in a Turbulent Age.

About Professor G. Thomas Edwards.