T.M. Marshall | Robert F. Kidd | Edward G. Rohrbaugh

Presidential Papers - E. G. Rohrbaugh

E. G. Rohrbaugh. 1874-1956. (Principal 1908-1918, President 1918-1942)

Correspondence and collected papers of E. G. Rohrbaugh, President of Glenville StateCollege, 1908 – 1942. 3 in-house bound ledgers of “Approved Letters,” “West Virginia Board of Control Correspondence,” and “State Board of Education Correspondence” (1938 – 1941) arranged chronologically by agency and 3 files of unbound papers and publications (1912 – 1923) arranged chronologically by subject. 6in.

Edward B. Rohrbough was born at Buckhannon 1874, Upshur County, son of William H. and Ann (Conley) Rohrbaugh. He attended public schools, West Virginia Wesleyan College (Seminary), Allegheny College (A.B. degree 1900), Harvard University(A.M. degree 1906), University of Chicago (1914-1915) and an honorary PD. D degree by Salem College. He was married to Lillian M. Hartman and they had, one child, Edward G. Rohrbough, Jr. He was of the Methodist faith. He taught school in Brookville, PA, 1900-1901, Glenville State Normal School, 1901-1907, West Virginia Wesleyan College, West Virginia University and served as vice-president of Fairmont State College, 1907-1908. –

Edward G. Rohrbough served as principal of Glenville State College (Normal School) from 1908 to 1914 when he was granted a leave of absence to do graduate work. During this time Orestes Bond served as principal of Glenville Normal School. Dr. E. G. Rohrbaugh returned to Glenville as principal during the school years 1915-1918, when the title was changed to president for his tenure, 1918-1942.

Great improvements were made in teacher training and certification during Rohrbough’s time as Glenville’s president. Glenville Normal School became Glenville State College with the ability to grant bachelor’s degrees. He also expanded the athletic and social
activities of the school.

Rohrbaugh saw the need for more buildings since the enrollment had greatly increased. During his tenure additions were made to the Administration Building with an auditorium, and the following new facilities were built: Kanawha Hall, Verona Maple Hall, Louis Bennett Hall, the President’s home, the first Robert F. Kidd Library, Firestone Lodge, a gymnasium, and Science Hall. The college farm was also acquired and oil and gas wells were developed.

Rohrbough was involved in many community activities after his retirement. As a Republican, he was elected to the 78th Congress from the Third Congressional District on November 3, 1942 (WV Blue Book 1943), and to the 80th Congress in 1946. Most of his later years were spent in Washington, D.C. Upon his death December 12, 1956, Edward G. Rohrbough was laid to rest in the Stalnaker Cemetery, just west of Glenville.

At the time of Dr. Rohrbaugh’s tenure from 1908-1942, Glenville State College had been known as Glenville State Normal School. The objective of the Glenville State Normal School was to prepare teachers for elementary schools, to prepare students for college and university, and to provide a general education for those who have finished the common school course. (WV Blue Book 1942). Glenville State Normal School changed to Glenville State Teachers College on May 1, 1930, and was considered an approved standard State teachers college offering degree courses for teachers, and a two-year standard normal course. Accredited by the American Association of Teachers Colleges and approved by the West Virginia Committee of North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.