ohn Preston McConnell was appointed as president of the State Normal and Industrial School for Women in October, 1911. Dr. McConnell was born on February 22, 1866 in Scott County, Virginia and obtained his A.B. (Bachelors) and A.M. (Masters) from Milligan College in Milligan, Tennessee. He earned a Ph.D in History and Economics from the University of Virginia in 1904 and served as Professor of History and Economics at Emory and Henry College from 1904 until he assumed his presidential duties at Radford. McConnell served as President until 1937 when he retired because of failing health. He was rewarded for his services with emeritus presidential status. John Preston McConnell died in October, 1941. This photo is part of Laura Nolen's "An Illustrated History 1913-1976" of Radford College.