Individual Details
Ellsworth Reese Briggs
(15 Nov 1909 - 3 Sep 1986)
Unknown newspaper dated December 4, 1960: Photo of Dean Ellsworth Briggs. Principals on Parade, Whey! Leads to Teaching for Dean. "I wanted to become a banker, but then the depression hit. I started wondering why, and began studying more and more sociology, economics, and finally decided that teaching was the field for me.". So says Ellsworth Briggs, dean of Hutchinson Junior College. In his fifth year in Hutchinson, Briggs has a background of 27 years in education. Born and reared in Pittsburg, the dynamic, garrulous father of one son attended grade and high school there, and then stayed to gain his bachelor's and master's degrees. He studied seven years at the University of Texas for his doctor of philosophy degree. Now living at 1609 North Ford with his wife, Donna, their boy and his mother, Mrs. P. O. Briggs, he came to Hutchinson in the fall of 1956.
Majored in "Y"
"You might say that I majored in YMCA most of my way through school. I was active both nationally and regionally. Never missed a conference for several years," he said draping his arm over the back of his chair. Although World War II interrupted his civilian teaching career temporarily, he found himself instructing aviators in ground school only a few doors away from his civilian classroom at Pittsburg, where he taught 10 years. A pilot himself, he is proud of his close friendship with the late Hap Stevens, pioneer Hutchinson pilot. Briggs owned a plane for a bout five years, and still teaches aviation classes each fall. "The only hobby I have. I suppose, is working." he said.
Future Thrills
In answer to the question of what his biggest enjoyment in teaching has been, he said, "There are so many it's hard of pin down, but perhaps the biggest thrill is the realization that we're dealing with the future of hundreds of students. We help them in studies, in developing personalities and characters, so they can have a better life and better living than they would otherwise have. It's our business to stimulate." He said his biggest gripe is that there never seems to be enough money to get enough help and facilities to get the job done as it needs to be done. "We're understaffed." he pointed out, "I'm working some of the staff to the pint of exhaustion. But what can we do? We need money to hire more." Briggs have an impressive record of community service, and his now a steward on the board of the Methodist Church, a member of the board of directors of the Lions Club, president of the Kansas Public Junior College Asn., and is on the National Junior College Legislative Commission, to name but a few of his activities.
Majored in "Y"
"You might say that I majored in YMCA most of my way through school. I was active both nationally and regionally. Never missed a conference for several years," he said draping his arm over the back of his chair. Although World War II interrupted his civilian teaching career temporarily, he found himself instructing aviators in ground school only a few doors away from his civilian classroom at Pittsburg, where he taught 10 years. A pilot himself, he is proud of his close friendship with the late Hap Stevens, pioneer Hutchinson pilot. Briggs owned a plane for a bout five years, and still teaches aviation classes each fall. "The only hobby I have. I suppose, is working." he said.
Future Thrills
In answer to the question of what his biggest enjoyment in teaching has been, he said, "There are so many it's hard of pin down, but perhaps the biggest thrill is the realization that we're dealing with the future of hundreds of students. We help them in studies, in developing personalities and characters, so they can have a better life and better living than they would otherwise have. It's our business to stimulate." He said his biggest gripe is that there never seems to be enough money to get enough help and facilities to get the job done as it needs to be done. "We're understaffed." he pointed out, "I'm working some of the staff to the pint of exhaustion. But what can we do? We need money to hire more." Briggs have an impressive record of community service, and his now a steward on the board of the Methodist Church, a member of the board of directors of the Lions Club, president of the Kansas Public Junior College Asn., and is on the National Junior College Legislative Commission, to name but a few of his activities.
Events
| Birth | 15 Nov 1909 | Pittsburg, Crawford Co., Kansas |  | ||
| Marriage | 4 Feb 1933 | Pittsburg, Crawford Co., Kansas - Donna Ruth Burr | | ||
| Death | 3 Sep 1986 | Eureka, Humboldt Co., California | |
Families
| Spouse | Donna Ruth Burr (1909 - 1990) |
| Child | Gordon Dale Briggs (1948 - 2007) |
| Father | Philip Orville Briggs Jr. (1879 - 1955) |
| Mother | Elizabeth Ann Reese (1881 - 1967) |
| Sibling | Hershel Rinaldo Briggs (1908 - 1956) |
| Sibling | Glenn Orville Briggs (1913 - 1974) |
| Sibling | Robert Lewis Briggs (1923 - 1972) |
Endnotes
1. 1910 Census Crawford Co., Kansas.
2. Social Security Death Index.
3. Marjorie Ham Briggs, Ten Generation List.
4. Marjorie Ham Briggs, Ten Generation List.
5. Marriage License of Ellsworth R. Briggs to Donna Ruth Burr.
6. California Death Index.
7. Social Security Death Index.