Draft:John Grant Crabbe

• Comment: Please clean up the tone in this draft. And we would prefer in-line citations by following the tutorial at WP:INTREFVE Qcne (talk) 19:37, 2 May 2024 (UTC)

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John Grant Crabbe

Introduction:

John Grant Crabbe was known for many achievements within his life. Crabbe worked for Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) for many years. Crabbe made many changes to the university, which is why EKU decided to name the library, John Crabbe Library, in his honor.

Early Life:

John Crabbe was born on November 29, 1865, in Mount Sterling, Ohio. Crabbe proceeded to further his education in the early stages of his life. Crabbe received his A.B. degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1889. Within the same year, he married Jennie Florence Garff. Later, in 1892, he also received his M.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University. These were the busiest times in Crabbe’s life. Crabbe wanted to learn more and was always known for furthering his education throughout his life and work. Crabbe dedicated his life to furthering other people’s education.

Crabbe was involved in many organizations during his time at EKU, as he was involved in Greek life on campus, as he was in the fraternity Phi Beta Kappa. During his presidency, Crabbe wanted students to be more involved on campus, as he was. He then decided to further his education more, by receiving his Ped. M. degree from Ohio University in 1897. Therefore, John Crabbe was very in touch with his education and was constantly keeping himself busy. Because of his dedication, Crabbe eventually received two honorary doctorate degrees from Berea College and Miami University in 1909. However, it did not stop here. In 1911, he received an honorary doctorate from the State University of Kentucky at Lexington. He then received another honorary doctorate in 1918, from Ohio Wesleyan University, which is where his education started.  

Eastern Kentucky University:

Crabbe’s hard work throughout his education paid off, for he eventually became president of Eastern Kentucky University (Eastern Kentucky State School at the time). Crabbe was president from April 9, 1910, to September 1, 1916. As president, Crabbe enforced more rights for teachers and professors. By this, the faculty members were doubled, as well as the annual budget. Not only this, but the student body was dramatically increased during his presidency. Crabbe shifted the changes in student government and life on campus while he was in office.  

Crabbe was recognized for his dedication and hard work during his presidency, considering that the library at Eastern Kentucky University, John Crabbe Library, was, of course, named after John Crabbe. Today, the library still stands in Crabbe’s name, and has become one of the most popular places to study on campus. Crabbe’s name is still a major topic on campus, and Crabbe has become one of the most well-known EKU presidents. Therefore, his presidency and work still impacts EKU students.

However, his career didn’t stop there. After leaving EKU, Crabbe received his presidency of Colorado State Teachers College in Greeley, Colorado. He began his presidency in 1916, shortly after leaving EKU.  

Later Years:

While still living in Colorado (Weld County), John Grant Crabbe died on February 13, 1964. Crabbe accomplished many great things in his life and continued to work in other universities after Eastern Kentucky University. Crabbe’s work and legacy will always be remembered and acknowledged.  

References

“A History of Leadership”, admissions.eku.edu. EKU Stories. A History of Leadership -YouTube

Some of the former presidents of EKU, including John Grant Crabbe, are shown. The presidency is about leadership and unity. The present, future, and past presidents of EKU are meant to be role models of a university, which is why many of the buildings on campus are named after former presidents.

Couture, Jackie and Whalen, Debbie, “John Grant Crabbe Library - Changing Spaces: 1924- 2010,” Digital Collections, accessed April 2, 2024, https://digitalcollections.eku.edu/items/show/87590.

There were many changes made to the John Crabbe library at EKU. These changes were significant from 1924 to 2010. While major changes are being made, the library had the biggest evolvement 1924-2010.

Eastern Kentucky State Normal School, “Board of Regents Minutes,” Digital Collections, accessed April 2, 2024, https://digitalcollections.eku.edu/items/show/89065.

The Richmond city board’s commission meeting minutes from July 14, 1900. This meeting took place at one pm, where Judge Sullivan presided over the absence of Superintendent Regenstein. Every other member, including John Crabbe, was present at the meeting.

Eastern Kentucky State Normal School, “Executive Committee of Board of Regen Minutes,” Digital Collections, accessed March 27

https://digitalcollections.eku.edu/items/show/89062.

John Crabbe was included in this document as a call to business, as he was part of the board. These are the minutes of the meeting held on May 20, 1911. At this time, Crabbe was president of the committee and he motioned to fund the library. Crabbe wanted to ask the city of Richmond for $2,500 towards the library. This was the start of the name: John Crabbe Library.  

“EKU Presidents,” Digital Collections, accessed April 2, 2024,

https://digitalcollections.eku.edu/items/show/90499.\

Containing photos of six of Eastern Kentucky University’s past presidents. These presidents include L-R: Ruric Nevel Roark, John Grant Crabbe, Thomas Jackson Coates, Herman Lee Donovan, William Francis O'Donnell, Robert R. Martin.

“Group picture of John G. Crabbe's class posing in front of Coates building,” Digital Collections, accessed April 2, 2024, https://digitalcollections.eku.edu/items/show/33707.

Containing photos of six of Eastern Kentucky University’s past presidents. These presidents include L-R: Ruric Nevel Roark, John Grant Crabbe, Thomas Jackson Coates, Herman Lee Donovan, William Francis O'Donnell, Robert R. Martin.

“John Grant Crabbe,” Digital Collections, accessed March 28, 2024, 

https://digitalcollections.eku.edu/items/show/23521.

John Grant Crabbe Was EKU president from March 1910 to August 1916. Crabbe’s focus during his presidency was to remodel EKU’s library. He also improved the curriculum for students and was a huge part of the reconstruction of dormitories such as Sullivan Hall. Crabbe eventually left EKU to become president of Colorado State Teachers College.  

(2023, March 27). John Grant Crabbe [Review of John Grant Crabbe]. Hymntime.com; Page Design and Code. John Grant Crabbe (hymntime.com)

John Crabbe was born on November 29, 1865. He died on February 13, 1924. Crabbe worked in the school system for most of his life after he received his master's degree from Ohio University. He worked as a superintendent in Ashland, Kentucky. He then became the President of the Eastern State Normal School.

“Library Dedication Program,” Digital Collections, accessed April 2, 2024,

https://digitalcollections.eku.edu/items/show/65180.

There is a dedication from the John Grant Crabbe Library, which contains information about Crabbe’s accomplishments and major works. The life of John Crabbe is brought up and explained very thoroughly, including his education.

“University Drive entrance of the Crabbe Library,” Digital Collections, accessed April 1, 2024, https://digitalcollections.eku.edu/items/show/32750.

Within this source contains a picture of The Crabbe Library, as well as a detailed description of how the library came to be. The library received its name from John Grant Crabbe, who was president of EKU for many years.