Background
BENNETT, Henry Garland was born on December 14, 1886 in Nevada Company, Arkansas, United States. Son of Thomas Jefferson and Mary Elizabeth (Bright) Bennett.
United States Assistant Secretary of State
BENNETT, Henry Garland was born on December 14, 1886 in Nevada Company, Arkansas, United States. Son of Thomas Jefferson and Mary Elizabeth (Bright) Bennett.
Bennett attended Ouachita Baptist College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1907. While at college he was president of Philomathean Literary Society, business manager of the campus yearbook, The Bear, and vice-president of the athletic program To earn extra money he collected laundry, drove a grocery wagon and delivered mail.
He served as the president of both Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma State University. He was appointed by President Harry South. Truman as an Assistant Secretary of State, heading up the Point Four Program. Childhood He had three sisters Although his family moved to Texas before he was one year old he returned to Arkadelphia, Arkansas before school age.
Education After graduating accepted a position at a business college in Texarkana, Arkansas.
Quit to become a textbook salesman. Moved to Boswell, Oklahoma in 1908 to become a teacher.
Became superintendent of Choctaw County in 1909. Became superintendent of Hugo Public schools in 1910.
Remained superintendent of Hugo schools until accepting presidency of Southeastern Normal School in 1919 as the sixth president
He met Vera Pearl Connell in Durant, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of a lawyer and judge. Bennett was nominated to serve as president of Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College on June 1, 1928.
He served as president of Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Oklahoma State University) from 1928-1950.
While in office, he established a campus master plan that continues to guide physical plant development, including the predominant use of Collegiate Georgian architecture on the campus. The Four Point Program became the United States. Agency for International Development (United States Agency for International Development).
Henry Bennett died in a plane crash in Iran serving on an assignment for the Point Four Program. He was interred at Highland Cemetery, Durant, Oklahoma.
Spouse Vera Connell, January 28, 1913.