Thomas Pearce Bailey (1867-1949):

“A golden personality,” Dr Bailey explained, “must be honest and sincere. He must have the mental and intellectual courage of a citizen, sportsman, gentleman, and practical idealist, and must show an honest liking and respect for his fellowman.”[1] As Bailey spoke to the crowd of Rollins students, those in the audience couldn’t help but smile and think that the person standing before them was the epitome of just that.

 Thomas Pearce Bailey began his life as an outstanding citizen on August 18, 1867.  Born in Georgetown, South Carolina Bailey remained in his hometown to receive a formal education.   In 1887, he graduated with an Artium Baccalaureatus degree from South Carolina College, and then two years later, with a Master of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina.  Bailey remained at the College for another two years, and in 1891, became the first graduate of USC to earn a Ph.D. After graduation, Bailey began his long and distinguished career both as a psychologist and educator.  He spent a year at Clark University as a fellow before returning to South Carolina in 1893 to serve as a principal to an elementary school.  Bailey then became an assistant professor of education to the University of California and the University of Chicago.  Following his departure from Illinois in 1903, Bailey relocated down South, where he served as professor of psychology and education to the University of Mississippi.   During this time, Bailey also authored Race Orthodoxy in the South and Other Aspects of the Negro Question (1914), a book in which Bailey stated "his beliefs in the Christian and democratic equality and the immeasurable worth of each human soul in the eyes of God."[2] Since it's publication, however, Bailey's work has been criticized for its strong racism by making alleged biological distinctions between races that would justify discriminations against African American's in the South.

 By 1926, Bailey held several other positions, including superintendent of schools for Memphis, Tennessee, investigator for New York’s Bureau of Municipal Research, dean of All Saints Episcopal Church, cooperate lecturer for Mississippi schools and colleges, professor of philosophy and as consulting psychologist to a Mississippi insanity hospital. 

In 1926, Hamilton Holt, the President of Rollins College, began his search for someone with such a resume.  Later that year, President Holt found the perfect fit, appointing Bailey as the first professor in history to the title of professor of ethology.  Bailey immediately received repute for his unusual tactics towards teaching the subject, where he eliminated traditional lectures and recitations, and instead opted for discussion and individual conferences between the student and instructor.[3]   Because of his reputation, President Holt offered Bailey’s services to the state, causing Bailey to establish an evitable record in Florida as a consulting psychologist and as a teacher.  In 1938, Bailey retired from the College, pronouncing that after fifty years in education, his, “teaching had been secured at Rollins College, and only the conference plan could account for such results.”[4]  Later that year, the College awarded Bailey with the Rollins College Decoration of Honor for his involvement with the community, the College, and more importantly for gracing those around him with his honest, sincere, and golden-like personality. 

Bailey spent the remainder of lifetime in Winter Park until his death on February 7, 1949.  

-Alia Alli