 Anyone who can successfully work for three of Sam Houston's presidents, who possess diverse natures and temperaments has to have special qualities many people do not have. Called "efficient, flexible, competent, dependable and loyal" by Dr. Ferol Robins on, Eloise certainly is a unique Sam Houston graduate.
A Huntsville native, Eloise was graduated from Huntsville High School in 1940 and earned her BBA in 1944. From 1942 to 1947 she was secretary to Dr. R. M. Hawkins, superintendent of Huntsville High School who was later named as President of Sol Ross State College; she said that he was "a perfectionist and he demanded perfection," quickly acknowledging that this was the best foundation she could have had. In January, 1955, she became secretary to Dr. Harmon Lowman, President of SHSTC. When she announce d her retirement effective August 31, 1984, she had worked for two other Sam Houston presidents, Dr. Arleigh Templeton and Dr. Elliott Bowers. During her 30 years working at Sam Houston, she dealt with students, faculty, administrators, community leaders, Regents, and a host of diverse individuals. Eloise says that Sam Houston is "my family's school." During her thirty working years there was always a relative enrolled! She and her husband Chester have one son William; he and his wife Donna have two daughters Keri and Kim. Since her retirement s he has been active in community work. As a member of the First United Methodist Church, Eloise served as recording secretary to the Administrative Board and served as secretary and Vice President of the United Methodist Women; in 1989 she received a Special Recognition Pin. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a member of Daughters of American Colonists, Colonial Dames, and Daughters of Republic of Texas. Eloise says of her association with Sam Houston: "Sam Houston is very dear to me. I have spent half of my lifetime there, four as a student and 30 years on the staff. And served under three wonderful presidents: Dr. Lowman, Dr. Templeton, and Dr. Bowers." |
As profiled at October 30, 1992 Distinguished Alumni Banquet