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Submitted: 10/13/16 • Approved: 10/13/16 • Last Updated: 10/16/16 • R1157133-G1157131-S3
Olin
1904 - 2001
Frances Elizabeth
1906 - 1983
*Obituary
He was a prince of a man, a great teacher and wonderful friend."
So says Darrell Kilman, a former student and fellow teacher of Professor Olin Lee Hughes, who died Tuesday (Jan. 9, 2001) at the age of 96.
Kilman's estimate of the former head of the mathematics department at the University of Central Arkansas was confirmed by a host of friends.
Perhaps Hughes' greatest contribution to UCA is evidenced by the fact that he taught about half of the tenured members of UCA's mathematics and computer science department.
In recognition of his contributions in teaching and as chairman of the department of mathematics, the department initiated the O. L. Hughes Award in 1955. The award is given annually to the outstanding graduate in mathematics.
"What I liked about Dr. Hughes in particular was his caring attitude," says Kilman, who taught mathematics at UCA for many years. "I remember when I showed up at UCA to enter school, Dr. Hughes was out there helping students find their way around the campus. In fact, he was able to locate a room for me and I'll never forget that."
He also recalls that Hughes loved fishing and could be found at Lake Conway often making his way through the tree stump-filled waters.
Hughes, who was born in Center Point, received a bachelor of arts degree with a major in education and a minor in science from Hendrix College in 1925. In 1940, he received a master of science degree with a major in education and a minor in mathematics from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Before his appointment to then-Arkansas State Teachers College, he taught mathematics and science at Camden High School for 17 years.
He was first appointed to a teaching position at ASTC in 1942. In 1945, he was named chairman of the department of mathematics. He held that position until the spring of 1967.
Hughes was well-known to many alumni and ex-students by virtue of his position as dean of men from 1945 to 1954. In that time he was an active sponsor of many student organizations.
In 1952, a major reorganization of the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference resulted in the appointment of faculty representatives to be responsible for the control of the AIC, and Hughes was named the first faculty representative from UCA. He served in that capacity for 17 years and was instrumental in helping rewrite the athletic body's constitution.
Hughes retired in 1969, and in view of his many contributions to the institution, a dormitory was named Hughes Hall in his honor.
Hughes was named professor emeritus in 1991 at the behest of tenured faculty members of the department of mathematics and computer sciences.
Hughes was a member of First United Methodist Church of Conway for 58 years
He is survived by a sister, Margaret Hughes of Nashville; a son-in-law, Jasper "Jap" Olsen; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home with the Rev. Phil Hathcock officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be J. M. Olsen, David Irwin, Rusty Rogers, Trey Moore, Seth Moore, Charlie Hughes, Darrell Kilman, Garland Riechman, Newman Riechman, Don Adlong, Raymond Bright and Harold Hughes.
Spouse:
Frances Elizabeth Mitchell Hughes (1906 - 1983
Children:
Mary Frances Hughes Olsen (1927 - 2000)
Contributed on 10/13/16 by hawkinsdonna
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Record #: 1157133