Andrew P. Torrence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew P. Torrence
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| Provost of Tuskegee University |
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| In office 1974–1980 |
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| President of Tennessee State University |
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| In office 1968–1974 |
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| Preceded by | Walter S. Davis |
| Succeeded by | Frederick S. Humphries |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Andrew Pumphrey Torrence
November 20, 1920 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | (aged 59) Tuskegee, Alabama, U.S. |
| Resting place | Oakwood Cemetery, Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Tennessee State University University of Wisconsin |
Andrew Pumphrey Torrence (November 20, 1920 – June 11, 1980) was an important African-American leader in education. He served as the third president of Tennessee State University, a historically black university in Nashville, Tennessee. He also held a top leadership role at Tuskegee University, another historically black university in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Andrew P. Torrence was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1920. He went to Tennessee State University and finished his studies there in 1948.
After that, he continued his education at the University of Wisconsin. He earned a master's degree in 1951. Later, he completed his PhD in 1954.
Career in Education
Torrence started his career in 1948 as an agriculture teacher. He taught in Almyra, Arkansas.
In 1954, he joined Tuskegee University in Alabama. He became an associate professor there. By 1967, he was a full professor and dean of academic affairs. This meant he was in charge of many important school programs.
Leading Tennessee State University
From 1968 to 1974, Torrence served as the third president of Tennessee State University. This was the same university he had attended as a student.
During his time as president, Dr. Torrence was involved in a major court case. This case aimed to make sure all students had equal opportunities in higher education in Tennessee. The case led to important changes for universities in the state. Torrence resigned from his role in 1974.
Return to Tuskegee University
In 1974, Torrence went back to Tuskegee University. He became the provost and executive vice president. These are very high leadership positions at a university. He held these roles until his death in 1980.
Legacy
Andrew P. Torrence passed away on June 11, 1980, in Tuskegee, Alabama. He was 59 years old. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Today, the Andrew P. Torrence Engineering Building at Tennessee State University is named in his honor. This shows his lasting impact on the university.
