Person:Loyd Harris (1)

He was born in 1900, in Ryan, Indian Territory. Oklahoma was not yet a state. His birthplace was in a half-dugout with old newspapers on the walls. William McKinley was President, there were no paved roads, no electricity, no running water and mankind had not yet flown; cow chips were used as fuel.

Loyd grew up as the middle son of a successful pioneer rancher in Greer County, so he learned how to work cattle, chop cotton and do other farm chores at an early age. Yearning to stretch his mind, he played at making medicines using his grandfather's old medical books as guides. In the fall of 1918, he entered the OU College of Pharmacy. He did well and was asked to work as a laboratory assistant for 40 cents per hour; this was the start of his academic career. He went on to earn a Ph.G. diploma in 1920, a Ph.C. (Pharmaceutical Chemist) and a B.S. in Pharmacy in 1922, and the M.S. in Chemistry in1924. Deciding that teaching would be his life work, he earned a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1926 (in 18 months!) and returned to OU as a full professor at age 26.

Loyd taught and conducted research at OU until he went on active duty in the army during World War II. He returned to academia after the war as Professor of Pharmacy at The Ohio State University, serving as Acting Dean in 1955-56. He was a true teaching professor and even today, former students inquire about him and many come to visit. In the words of one, "he was everything you would hope to find in a professor-very smart, knowledgeable, caring about his students and thoroughly professional. What a role model." He left Ohio State to return to The University of Oklahoma as Dean of the College of Pharmacy in 1963, where he served until his retirement at age 70. He also retired from the U.S. Army as a full colonel, having stayed with the army reserve and serving on active duty during the Korean War and some summers. After retirement, he spent his time managing the old family ranches and staying active in pharmaceutical affairs. He played a key role in the implementation of the "five year" program in pharmacy, as well as the decision to move the College to the Health Sciences Center. Dr. Harris served as Dean Emeritus until his death in September 2000. Dean Harris also was recognized for the development of continuing pharmaceutical education in Oklahoma.