Thomas G. Carpenter facts for kids

Thomas Glenn Carpenter (born February 27, 1926 – died January 6, 2021) was an American educator and university leader. He is best known for being the first president of the University of North Florida (UNF). He served there from 1969 to 1980. Later, he became the president of Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) from 1980 to 1991. The main library at the University of North Florida is named the Thomas G. Carpenter Library in his honor.

Early Life and Education

Thomas G. Carpenter was born on February 27, 1926. He attended Georgia Tech for two years. During this time, he joined the U.S. Navy and played college football for the Yellow Jackets team. He also joined a fraternity called Phi Delta Theta.

He was called to active duty in the Navy during World War II. He served in the Pacific area. After leaving the Navy in 1946, he went to several colleges. He even attended a football training camp for the Baltimore Colts.

Carpenter later moved to Memphis, Tennessee with his wife, Oneida. He studied at Memphis State College. In 1949, he earned a bachelor's degree in Business. He then received his master's degree in Economics from Baylor University in 1950. In 1954, he moved to Florida to continue his studies at the University of Florida.

Leading Universities

Starting a New University

Carpenter began his career in education at the University of Florida. He taught economics and helped manage student housing. He earned his Ph.D. in 1963.

He then worked at Florida Atlantic University and the University of West Florida. In 1969, he was chosen to be the first president of a brand new state university. This university was planned for Jacksonville, Florida, and would be called the University of North Florida. He started his new role on August 1, 1969.

Developing the University of North Florida

As president, Carpenter helped build the new university from the ground up. He oversaw the development of the school's large, wooded campus. The first buildings were constructed under his leadership.

The university had its groundbreaking ceremony on September 18, 1971. It officially opened its doors on October 2, 1972. Carpenter also made sure the campus became a nature preserve. A man-made lake on campus, "Lake Oneida," is named after his wife.

He was very interested in the university's library. He oversaw the building of the current library facility, which was finished in 1980. After he left the university, the library was renamed the Thomas G. Carpenter Library on August 15, 1981.

Presidency at Memphis State

In 1980, Carpenter left the University of North Florida. He then became the president of his old college, Memphis State University. He served as president there until 1991.

Later Years

After retiring from Memphis State, Thomas Carpenter moved to Blowing Rock, North Carolina. He lived there with his wife, Oneida. After she passed away, he remarried. He and his second wife continued to visit the University of North Florida for important events. Thomas G. Carpenter died on January 6, 2021, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was 94 years old.