Alumnus Dr. Clarence H. McElroy returned to Oklahoma A&M College to serve as an assistant professor in the School of Veterinary Medicine in 1919. He would eventually serve as dean of the school from 1947 until his retirement in 1953. McElroy first served as dean of the School of Science and Literature in 1925, and next as the first dean of men on campus from 1928-47. He temporarily served as acting president of OAMC in 1928. Those who knew him said McElroy had the unique ability to maintain authority as well as the admiration of students and faculty. McElroy himself was inspired to go into veterinary medicine by Dr. L.L. Lewis, who was a state veterinarian, coach and early member of the OAMC faculty until his death in 1922.
