E.A. Bixler

Acting President (1931-33)

E. A. Bixler was born in Ohio, November 27, 1880. He graduated from high school in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, and attended Normal School at Ada, Ohio. Later, he attended Miami University for one year, then transferred to Ohio State University where he graduated in 1905, with an A. B. agree. He received his M. A. degree from University of North Dakota in 1917. Additional graduate work was taken at the University of Chicago, University of Iowa, and the University of Minnesota.

He taught rural school in Ohio for one year and high school at Mt. Gilead, Ohio; Ottumwa, Iowa; and Grand Forks, North Dakota. He served as superintendent of schools in Glendive, Montana, for three years.

On August 30, 1911, he married Miss Cora Gates at Goodhue, Minnesota. Their family consisted of two daughters, Jean and Barbara. Mrs. Bixler died September 14, 1957.

In September, 1919, he joined the faculty at Madison State Normal School as Director of Education. He was appointed Dean in 1927. In April, 1931, he was appointed Acting President and served in this capacity until July, 1933. Following this, he was transferred by the Board of Regents to Northern State Teachers college as head of the Department of Education. Later, he was appointed as the Dean of the College and served in this capacity until 1951. He retired in 1953.

Mr. Bixler was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club in Madison, SD. His church preference was Unitarian.

E. A. Bixler died July 20, 1958. Mr. and Mrs. Bixler are buried in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Source: 

Lowry, V. A. Forty Years at General Beadle (1922-1962). Madison, SD: Dakota State University, 1984. pg  43-50.

Dakota State University Archives, RG 8, DSU 132, Box 855.

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