The Turn of the Twentieth Century: 1900-1910
WVU hired its first Dean of Women, Hanabell Clark. Clark served as Dean from 1899-1903, when she was replaced by Susan Maxwell Moore. Moore was the daughter of Elizabeth Moore. At this time, the University had a policy of acting in loco parentis, a Latin phrase meaning, “in place of the parents.” Students were expected to follow WVU’s rules as though they were following the instructions of their own parents.
President Daniel Boardman Purinton (shown at left) allowed students to attend regular Saturday night dances, which were one of the main forms of entertainment for students at this time. Students also attended the local theaters for a show, and sometimes, a large group would “rush” a local theater to gain free admission. Obviously, theater owners and the local police force did not find this nearly so entertaining.WVU also began hiring a well-qualified faculty who had earned their Ph.D. degrees at some of the nation’s most prestigious universities. One of these men was John A. Eiesland, who taught math and for whom Eiesland Hall would be named. In 1910, several of these faculty members organized WVU’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the most prestigious honorary for students who excel in arts and sciences disciplines.
Literary Society, 1907