Smelser, Lawrence

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7411#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Lawrence Smelser was born and raised in the Ozark Region of Missouri in the late 1920s. He was encouraged to attend college by his family, and after he graduated from high school, he took an exam and was licensed to teach in rural schools in Missouri. While he did this, he took classes at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardo, Missouri, before transferring to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, he taught fifth grade in University City, Missouri, for 12 years. While doing teaching, he attended St. Louis University for his master's degree in Educational Administration. Smelser then earned his doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. In 1969, Smelser came to St. Cloud State University, where he taught in the Center for Information Media. He retired in 1990 after 21 years of service.

Transcript Summary: Smelser discussed his family and educational background. Smelser described his childhood in Missouri, and being encouraged by his family to attend college and pursue his education. He gave a brief account of the universities he attended, then about his experience teaching in Missouri. Smelser taught in Missouri for 20 years while getting his education before Learning Resources & Technology dean at St. Cloud State, Luther Brown, informed him of a position opening at St. Cloud State University. Smelser arrived at St. Cloud State in 1969.

Smelser chronicled his time at St. Cloud State University, discussing some of his favorite things were about the university. He mentioned how much he enjoyed working with graduate students, as he was able to work with them more closely and get to know them better than undergraduate students. He also mentioned taking a group of students to London for the 1979/80 academic school year, where he directed a program. In addition, Smelser described his experience of being a division leader in the Learning Resources & Technology Services. He expressed how the library changed from books to electronic equipment, and how the college has grown along with that change.

Smelser discussed the changes that occurred at the university, as well as the highs and lows during his time there. He talked about developing new programs in Information Media, such as the 3-track program. Smelser believed that the growth in enrollment was very positive thing for St. Cloud State, and improved many programs available. As far as lows, Smelser claimed that some budget and equipment problems as difficult to deal with. Smelser felt that he had an incredibly positive experience teaching at St. Cloud State and living in the city of St. Cloud.

Interviewed by Jerry Westby