The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1921-08-24
K. X. X. WIZARD
HEADS LANIER
Succeeds DR.. c. Lewis Fowler, Form
erly Of Clinton, as President Of
Lnnier University.

Lnnior University.
DR.. G. Lewis Fowler, former pastor
OF the Baptist church Of Clinton, has
been succeedd as president of Lanier
University, near Atlanta, by Colonel
William j. Simmons, imperial wizard
of the lllu Klux Khan, according to
news story in The Atlanta Constitu-
ton of August 20. DR.. Fowler is to
retain his connection with the institu-
ton, giving way to the X. *. Il. or
ganizcr on account OF "strigency in
the university's financial situation"
lows:
announcement was made Thursday
by Ben H. Sullivan, attorney, that
Colonel William j. Simmons, imperial
wizard Of the ltu KluX Iilan, has been
elected president of Lanier university
and that the university will be imme-
d!atcly enlarged with view to max
ing it one of the best III the South.
The property consists Of three acres
Of land containing three buildings.
one OF which is completed and the
other two OF which are under course
OF construction.
Attorney Sullivan represented
Colonel Simmons in the transaction.
1t was further announced that all
trustees will resign as soon as the
imperial wizards Office becomes ef-
fectivc. The last meeting Of the trus-
tees was held Tuesday when Colonel
Simmons was elected president to
succeed DR.. c. Lewis Fowler, whose
resignation was accepted.
1t was stated that elaborate plans
for enlargement Of the university
nave been drawn by A. Ten lGyck
Brown, Atlanta architect. The pres
ent value OF the institution, including
the three acres Of land surrounding
it, is estimated at 100000.
The new management will assume
charge of the school before it's open
ing in September
Lnicr university lies bctwecn High
land avenue and Druid Hills section
in the same neighborhood as emory
university. 1t was founded by mem
bers Of the Missionary Baptist church.
The elaborate plan OF construction
originally called for was not carried
out because Of lack OF funds and an
indebtedness which faced the insttu-
ton soon after its organization
The trustees Of the institution were
represented in the transaction by j.
r.. Smith and NJ. S. Rankin.
In announcing the turn OF affairs
at Lanier university, Mr.. Sullivan en-
phasizcd the point that Colonel Sim
mons was elected by the trustees OF
the institution "on account Of his wide
| acquaintance as head Of the ku KluX
| I[lan and by reason OF which he would
| be in 4 position to raise money for the
univcrSity."
He also emphasized the point that
the Ku Klux Klan. while not taking
over the university, is doing so in a
manner, sicc, he declared. the n:,me Of
| Colonel Simmons has become synony-
NOUS with that Of the i<u Klux klan."
! The klan as a chartered orSaniza-
| ton will not assume the Indebtedness
Of the institution, Mr.. Sullivan said.
adding, however, that the stringency
IN the universty's financial situation
Vas the direct cause on the cl"ctna o.,
| COloncl Simmons to tic presidency.
| The election Of Colonel Simmons
conforms to the provisions Of the char
ter OF the university in that Colonel
Simmons is a member Of the Mission
ary Baptist Church.
MI Sullivan explained that the trus-
tees were actuated In the election or
Colonel Simmons partly by reason of
his having held for some time the
chair Of professor OF Southern history
at ihc university and was closely as
sociatcd with Or. Fowler who will
continue connection with the school.
MIR Sullivan said he considered 1t
likely that some Of the trustees would
nc retained although all would offer
their designations when Colonel Sim
mons becomes active head Of tho uni
yorsity,