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[[image - black and white portrait photograph of Dr. William T. Vernon]]
[[caption]] DR. WILLIAM T. VERNON, A.M., D.D., President of Western University, Quindaro, Kan. [[/caption]]

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WHAT THE GRADUATES OF LINCOLN INSTITUTE ARE DOING.
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Professor WILLIAM TECUMSEH VERNON, President of Western University, Quindaro, Kansas, has made a remarkable record. He entered Lincoln Institute in the fall of 1886, and by hard work with hands and head, completed the Normal Course in 1890. So limited were his means of support that upon graduation day he did not have enough money with which to buy his dinner. The summer following his graduation was spent as a waiter at a summer resort. In the fall of the same year Professor Vernon was elected teacher of the colored public schools at Bonne-Terre, Missouri. It was now that his educational career began. Two years later he was elected principal of the Lebanon schools. Here he remained four years. During this time he made himself well known in the educational work of the State.

In studying the educational needs of his people, Professor Vernon became convinced that Booker T. Washington's idea of the negro education is a correct one. He resolved that if an opportunity came he would make an effort along that line in the interest of his race.

In the fall of 1896 the opportunity presented itself. He was called to the presidency of Western University, and at once took hold of the work with vigor and enthusiasm.