No Little Dreams: Henry Garland Bennett, Educator and Statesman

Baghdad, Teheran, Beirut, cities all too familiar in the news today. More than fifty years ago, these places were visited by Henry Garland Bennett, the assistant secretary of state directing the Point Four program. He was appointed by President Truman because of his excellent reputation as an educator and administrator. His purpose was to bring modern technology to war torn, underdeveloped countries following the destruction of World War II. Bringing a wealth of experience Bennett had served as president of Southeastern Normal School in Durant, Oklahoma, for nine years and as president of Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater, Oklahoma, for twenty-three years. As college president, he led both schools in dramatic growth and expansion during difficult times of national economic depression and a world war.