Second ETSU President
Dr. Charles C. Sherrod, Sr.

1925-1949

From 1902 to 1949, Sherrod served as teacher, principal, and superintendent in the public schools of Tennessee and in college administration. These years of service included: superintendent of Morristown City Schools, Morristown, Tenn., 1918-1922; associate principal of Peabody Demonstration School, Nashville, Tenn., 1922-1923; director of the Peabody Demonstration School and professor of education at George Peabody College, Nashville, Tenn., 1923-1925; director of East Tennessee State Normal School's summer institute, 1918-1920; and president of East Tennessee State Teachers College 1925-1949. In addition to his teaching career Sherrod briefly practiced law in Dyersburg, Tenn.

In 1925 the Tennessee State Board of Education appointed Charles C. Sherrod, Sr., as the second president of East Tennessee State Teachers College. For 24 years he worked to "modernize curriculum, encourage professional training for faculty, and introduce new fields of training in order to keep graduate students in constant demand."(1) By 1934, Sherrod had established the library that bears his name and completed a $500,000 building program in 1938 that included the construction of the university's amphitheater and stadium. During World War II, he instituted the first military program for air corp cadets. In 1943, East Tennessee State Teachers College became a "comprehensive four-year college," but Sherrod still felt the institute's primary emphasis should remain teacher training.

In addition to administrative activities, Sherrod taught Sunday School at Munsey Memorial Methodist Church, Johnson City, Tenn., an activity that he pursued for 40 years.

Dr. Sherrod was married to the former Carrie Lee Hood. The couple had two sons Charles Jr. and Howell.

Also Visit:
ETSU Archives of Appalachia for information on President Sherrod's papers.