Biographical Text
Professor Emeritus of Geography, Terry Elmer Epperson, Jr. (June 10, 1924 - ), retired college professor and administrator, was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, the son of Terry Elmer Epperson {deceased) and Mary B. Epperson (deceased). Epperson attended Science Hill High School, where he played on the track team and graduated in 1942 . He is married to Marcella Thomas Epperson, the daughter of John H. (deceased) and Pearl S. Thomas. In 1950 Epperson received his B.S. degree in business administration and geography from East Tennessee State University. He then accepted a position with the Washington County, Tennessee School System where he taught elementary school and served as principal at Oak Grove Elementary School for one year 0950-51). In 1952 Epperson received his M.S. degree in geography from the University of Kentucky in Lexington . While working on the degree, he taught geography at the University of Kentucky during the 1951-52 academic year. After earning his M.S. degree Epperson returned to the Washington County, Tennessee School System where he taught eighth grade at King Springs Elementary School from 1952-54. In 1955 Epperson became a faculty member at Johnson City Junior High School where he was a civics teacher until 1956, Epperson then accepted a position as an instructor of geography at East Tennessee State University where he remained until 1958. Epperson began work on his Ph.D. in geography at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1958. While working on his doctorate Epperson taught geography at the university until he received his degree in 1960, In 1961 Epperson accepted a position on the faculty at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee where he served as associate professor of geography until 1962. Epperson came to Appalachian State Teachers College (now Appalachian State University) in 1962 as an associate professor in the Department of Social Sciences, he was promoted to professor in 1967 and served as the first chairperson of the newly-created Department of Geography from 1974-79. Hls publications include : "Stages of Urban Evolution Using Kingsport, Tennessee as an Example," in Faculty Publications, ASU, 1964. "Selected Unique Urban Nodules on Route-Ways," in Faculty Publications , ASU, 1965, "Focalization of Wood Furniture Manufacturing in North Carolina," in Memorandum Folia, SEAAG, 1966. "Manufacturing in the Naugatuck Valley," in Memorandum Folia, SEAAG 1960, "Patterns and Processes in Human Action and Land Use," in Appalachian Consortium Publications, 1977. While at Appalachian State University Epperson served on the Faculty Welfare Committee, the University Committee on Registration and Calendar, the Admissions and Re-admissions Committee, the Board of Directors of the Appalachian Consortium and the Task Force on Appalachian Consortium Affairs where he served as chairperson. Additionally, Epperson served as an advisor for social science majors and was a sponsor for the Alpha Chi Honor Society. Epperson served on the faculty senate for eight years, two of which he served as chairperson. He served on the Advisory Council to the Chancellor, on the Academic Polley Committee, on the Welfare of Students Committee, and on the Agenda Committee. Professionally, Epperson has been a member of the Association of American Geographers, the North Carol i na Geographical Society, the Southeast Division of the Association of American Geographers, the National Council for Geographic Education icon, the American Association of University Professors, the National Geographic Society, the American Geographical Society, the Sigma Xi Scientific Society, and the Association of American University Professors. Additional teaching experience acquired during his tenure at Appalachian included: an National Defense Education Act (NDEA) Summer Institute in the Department of Geography, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 1n 1965; an NDEA Summer Institute in the Department of Geography, Mississippi State University in 1966; and visiting professorship at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, during the summer school of 1967. He was also a participant in the Fulbright-Hayes Overseas Summer Seminar on Rural Development, in Pakistan, in 1973. In the community Epperson is a member and Sunday school teacher at Snow Memorial Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. Epperson retired from his position at Appalachian State University in 1983 and was chosen as chief faculty marshal in the 1983 commencement to honor his contributions to the institution. In his retirement Epperson still serves on the Board of Directors of Appalachian Consortium (ex officio) and on the Consortium Administrative Committee. He is co-owner/operator with his wife of T and E Hardware, 3511 Bristol Highway in Johnson City, Tennessee. The Eppersons still maintain a house in Boone, spending as much time as possible there. Sources: Appalachian State University files and personal correspondence. - Dr. Richard D. Howe
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