Background
Highsmith, William Edward was born on March 21, 1920 in Eastland, Texas, United States. Son of Robert A. and Dollie (Marshall) Highsmith.
Highsmith, William Edward was born on March 21, 1920 in Eastland, Texas, United States. Son of Robert A. and Dollie (Marshall) Highsmith.
AB, Southeastern College, 1942. Master of Arts, Louisiana State University, 1947. Doctor of Philosophy, Louisiana State University, 1953.
Julius Rosenwald research fellow, 1948-1949. Instructor history University Arkansas, 1949-1950, Louisiana State University, 1950-1951. Director Caribbean program Louisiana State University, 1951-1954, Gadsden Center University Alabama, 1954-1957.
Professor Jacksonville University, 1957, dean, 1957-1962. President Asheville-Biltmore College, 1962-1969. Chancellor University North Carolina, Asheville, 1969-1984, chancellor emeritus, since 1984, research professor department history, since 1984.
Director Duval Safety Council, Jacksonville. Chairman Opportunity Corporation Asheville-Buncombe County.
Member board advisers St. Luke's Hospital School Nursing. Board directors Greater Asheville Council, United Fund, Asheville Symphony Society, Asheville Community Concert Association. Chairman Mountain Area Health Education Center.
Trustee St. Mary's College, Asheville Country Day School. Board directors Art Museum. Board directors, president Memorial Mission Hospital.
General chairman Venture in Mission, Diocese of Western North Carolina. Member governing body Western North Carolina Health Systems Agency Served to corporal United States Army Air Force, 1942-1946. Member Southern, Mississippi Valley history associations, Asheville Chamber of Commerce (director), North Carolina Association Colleges and Universities (president), Conference Academy Deans Southern States (secretary-treasurer 1961-1962), Blue Key, Phi Kappa Phi, Theta Xi (national public relations committee).
Club: Pen and Plate (president). Lodge: Rotary (president, director).
Married Allene Sugg, August 15, 1953. Children– William Edward, John Marshall.