Retiring in 1916, he was a great teacher at Purdue back when faculty challenged students to a football game each year. He was known to be as tough on the gridiron as in the classroom. Mary Matthews, early professor of domestic economy and in 1926 founding dean of the School of Home Economics, forerunner to the School of Consumer and Family Sciences. Andrey Potter, dean of engineering from 1920 to 1953, largely credited with leading Purdue to its perch among the top engineering schools of the world. About half of the inaugural group in the Book of Great Teachers are current faculty - or those who have moved on from Purdue to other institutions.
Every current school is represented.
A committee of Teaching Academy members chose the 225 former and current faculty to be inducted from nominations submitted by students, former students and others around the world. The academy is made up of award-winning faculty dedicated to improving teaching at Purdue. Professors previously honored with University teaching awards as well as those named by the trustees as distinguished professors for teaching were automatically included in the book. In addition, those recognized as Indiana Professor of the Year will be listed. Among the requirements for inclusion in the book is continuous faculty service at Purdue for 15 years.