By Justin Batt
1950s

The 1950s were very exciting and oppurtunistic time for a student at Northeastern State College. President Garrison Harrell was lucky enough to have lead the university during these important years of growth. Many new buildings and programs were put into place during this time. In these years the school would employ students and special deans to check on students. These duties included checking grades, absences, offer guidance, and any counseling which would enrich your life as a student and person.

There was a boom of social organizations and clubs throughout the campus community. Student senate met faithfully every wednesday, each meeting began with prayer. Something not common in todays practice of school activities and events. The senate and social organizations were in charge of scheduling dances as well as social teas. There was more of an interaction among students in these post war times. The troubling decade brought students and faculty together.

The rise of sororities and fraternities were popular throughout the country in the early 50s. And there was no differnence here at Northeastern State College. These groups of young men and women would host Sadie Hawkins dances as well as great christmas and holiday feasts. Independent social clubs were formed by students as well at this time. Thes clubs asked for the students to lead a well rounded social and religious life.

Athletics became one of the better recognized activities at the university. Highlights of the early decades atheltic program are three consecutive football championships which the Redmen won in Oklahoma Collegiate Conference play. Athletes of the time included Mickey Mantle, who in 1956 chose Miss Jean Dixon as TSA LA GI Queen." Some of the guys and myself, after consideration chose Miss Dixon, we though all candidates were pretty and worthy of the crown."

Construction of a new gym began in 1954 to house the Redmen basketball team. The program would find success in the years to come, with the addition of Jack Dobbins to the team and university. Coming from a large family resources to go to college were limited, but Dobbins knew he would make it. " I paid my own way, there were no grants or scholarships then." But within the year Dobbins found himself on a basketball scholarship, thanks to his hard work on the court and in the classroom. "Although I was on scholarship I did odd jobs in the summer to help pay for tuition."

Through all of Dobbins hard work the university provided him with an education and the skills he would need to succed. From student athlete to Former Athletic Director to lifetime membership in the NSU Alumni Association, to having the fieldhouse named in his honor. Dr jack Dobbins shows that the University can produce great things and people in any decade, with a little hard work and determination.