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Submitted: 6/18/11 • Approved: 10/3/17 • Last Updated: 10/6/17 • R547113-G0-S3
US Air Force
World War II
September 27, 1907 - December 7, 1986*
INFORMATION ABOUT M. BLAIR HART (as written)
M. Blair Hart was professor of Speech and Drama at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville from 1936-1975. Born September 27, 1907 at Delovan, Minnesota, he died December 10, 1986 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. After graduating from Delavan High School, M. Blair Hart attended Macalester College, receiving a B.A. in Biology and English in 1932 and then an M.A. from the State University of Iowa in Theatre in 1936. In 1951 he received a doctorate in education from the University of Denver in Speech Communication. He also served in the Air Force from June 1942 to October 1945. After returning from military service, he married Opal G. Munger who taught English in both the Siloam Springs and Fayetteville school systems until her retirement.
M. Blair Hart spent most of his professional career teaching at the University of Arkansas, 1936-1940, 1946-1975. He served as chairman of the Speech and Dramatic Art Department from 1953-1968, received the Distinguished Award in Teaching in 1971, and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1975. Professor Hart directed theatre productions; wrote about theatre, speech, and oral interpretation; wrote poetry; and was an active member of state and national professional organizations. He was President of the National Collegiate Players, 1960-1966 and a charter member of the Arkansas Arts and Humanities Council. After his retirement, the M. Blair Hart Scholarship in Speech and Dramatic Art was established in his honor. From 1975 until his death in 1986 he devoted himself to gardening and writing about daylilies.
Listed in The Biographical Encyclopaedia and Who's Who of the American Theatre. Edited by Walter Rigdon. New York: James H. Heineman, 1966. Revised edition published as Notable Names in the American Theatre. The 'Biographical Who's Who' section begins on page 227.
Notable Names in the American Theatre. Clifton, NJ: James T. White & Co., 1976. Earlier edition published as The Biographical Encyclopaedia and Who's Who of the American Theatre. 'Notable Names in the American Theatre' section begins on page 489. This book often alphabetizes by titles of address, e.g.: Dr., Mrs., and Sir.
Contributed on 6/18/11 by judyfrog
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Record #: 547113