March 29, 2024

Evolution of leaders over 80 years

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Aaron E. Jones was appointed president of Carbon College during World War II. In his message in the yearbook, Jones said the college “is fortunate in having continued in operation during the recent war years and now has all the signs of permanency. Like an infant, no one can predict to what greatness it may arrive; but all of us can predict a happy future for our school.
“The industry and accomplishments of most of the veterans enrolled at Carbon College are assisting the faculty and the administration to raise the standards of the school to equal those of any institution of higher learning. New courses have been added to enrich the opportunities of those who enroll here, and more will be offered.
“It is comforting to see full teams in upper-division athletics again and know that these, too, will have a full schedule of interesting games. With the reestablishment of the Junior College League, increased interest will develop in the various sports.”
He wrote that too many high school students are satisfied with too little education, but the day will come when at least three-fourths of those who enter the school will stay through the four years and graduate from the college.
In 1948, the Northwest Accreditation Association accredited Carbon College and in 1953, Utah Gov. J. Bracken Lee and former mayor of Price, suggested Carbon College be closed and Dixie, Snow and Weber colleges returned to the LDS Church. A statewide referendum vote saved the college from closure.
Aaron Jones Residence Hall is named after the second president who served from 1944-59.