George E. Morrow was a leader and ardent promoter of agriculture, who was known for his research, literary fluency and engaging personality. The former dean of agriculture at the University of Illinois, he brought stability and respect to the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College as its fourth president from 1895 to 1899.

Morrow encouraged his new faculty to travel throughout the territory and offer informal talks that led to him to further extension work at the college. Widely recognized for successfully popularizing agriculture, Morrow helped establish it as a science. He was also considered an evangelist for the preservation of rural life.

Morrow managed to get limited legislative help for new construction on campus, expanded faculty, and initiated a mechanical engineering degree and a commercial (business) degree. He resigned for health reasons and died a year later.