Grad student>dissertation topic

[Erik P Conard]

One of the most satisfying works I ever wrote was my PhD dissertation...a historical one..."A History of Kansas' Closed Colleges," accepted at OU for my '70 PhD
I undertook all the institutions that ever were proposed, opened,
incorporated...who ever gave a license to teach...and came up with about 160 places that either never opened or had closed by
1930. It was hard to define what a college was, or even what a
high school or academy was...was that business school a place that could prepare one to teach or what?
Kansas basically began in 1855 with a heavy-Massachusetts influence...amazing how our higher education institutions have developed...proposed, incorporated, merged, moved, closed.
No Kansas school EVER closed which had Greeks, by the way...
My dissertation, filmed by University Microfilms, is read and even
used today by some higher ed classes.
SO, gentle reader, if you are looking for a fun topic, why not consider tackling your state for a like treatise? E-mail me if I can
be of help.

[sairose]

SOunds like an interestic topic to research and write about.

[Kevin]

Interesting point about GLO's and closed colleges. I can only think of one right off hand -- Lombard College where AXiD was founded.

We had a chapter there as well (Delta Theta). They were given special permission by IHQ to relocate to Knox College.

But there is probably a pretty big correlation between the existance of GLO's on a campus and alumni support. Doesn't surprise me at all.

[Erik P Conard]

Lombard, in IL, was a big one
Alliance, sponsored by National Polish Alliance, in PA
Tarkio, in Mo, another one
Parsons, in IA, a heart breaker, should NEVER have closed
Salem, in WV, bought out by Japanese
Milton, in WI, just wore out...
John F Kennedy, in NE, had NIC colonies
John J Pershing, in NE, had NIC colonies
Hiram F Scott, in NE, had NIC colonies
likely some others, cannot call at moment. There have been many
who had no nati's like College of Emporia...in KS, Marymount, KS,
likely had Alpha Phi Omega, Pi Kappa Delta, Phi Alpha Theta, big
professionals had long list...were at most of these schools.
Yep, a dissertation of ______ state's closed colleges would be a
good one...Kansas, done (by me), think OK and one other, some
overlaps...list histories of normal schools, academies, etc, but there is certainly room for an in depth study...by state...best done
by Greek. Will help guide if asked. Fun topic, needed, too.