Considering the Past: Topics in M.C. History

James Carter Blasingame (1866-1941) served as the first president of the Baptist Female University from 1899 to 1900. With degrees in Psychology and Pedagogy, Blasingame was only 32 years old at the time of his appointment, and had spent the previous seven years at other educational institutions. Despite myriad responsibilities and a little administrative support (no dean, no principal, limited secretarial help) His salary was fixed by the Board of Trustees at $1800 for the year, plus board for himself and his family. While considered an optimistic and charismatic leader, a faithful Christian, a gentleman and an energetic and conscientious administrator, Blasingame apparently ran afoul of instructors and the Board, specifically in the areas of student discipline and curriculum requirements. Mary Lynch Johnson assessment of Blasingame on NCPedia (written in 1979) is circumspect:

His insistence on a largely elective course of study was decidedly out of harmony with the ideas of the founders and trustees of the school.... nor had he any experience in a denominational school. His letter of resignation and the minutes of the board meeting accepting it show a clear and sympathetic understanding on both sides of a regrettable situation....During his one year he proved to be an able administrator, with initiative, enthusiasm and vigor.  

Blasingame resigned on April 10, 1900 and subsequently left education. He worked the rest of his career in insurance, living in Virginia.