McCain Library and Archives
The University of Southern Mississippi

Overview of the Collection

Repository:                            McCain Library and Archives, The University of Southern
                                                Mississippi

Creator:                                  Dr. Carlton L. McQuagge

Collection Number:                M438

Title:                                       McQuagge, Carlton L. Papers

Dates:                                     Circa 1928-1988

Quantity:                                .90 cubic feet   

Abstract:                                 A collection of materials relating to the life and work of Dr. Carlton L. McQuagge, former instructor and administrator at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Historical Sketch

Carlton Lamar (Carl) McQuagge was born in Stone County, Mississippi, on July 21, 1909.  He was the son of Daniel G. and Rebecca (Hickman) McQuagge.  Carl graduated from Wiggins High School May 18th, 1928.  He married Catherine Atwell Temple June 6, 1933.  Carl and Catherine had two sons, John Carlton and Daniel Temple.

McQuagge earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1932 from State Teachers College (now The University of Southern Mississippi) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  He earned his Master of Arts degree August 1947 from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi, and completed his Doctorate in Education from the University of Texas in 1954.  He first came to The University of Southern Mississippi in 1945 as the Director of the Demonstration School. 

Throughout his professional career, McQuagge held many different positions:  instructor and later, superintendent at Rocky Creek High School, Rocky Creek, Mississippi (1932-1939); superintendent at Long Beach High School, Long Beach, Mississippi (1939-1944); Vocational Rehabilitation, Mississippi State Department of Education, Jackson, Mississippi (1944-1945); Director of the Demonstration School at USM (1945-1956).  In 1959 he was named Head of the Department of School Administration, Supervision, and Curriculum, and served as Chairman of the Department of Education Administration from 1958-1960. He was appointed USM’s Registrar in 1960, serving until 1963, when he was named Dean of the School of Education and Psychology (in 1968 the school became the College of Education and Psychology).  McQuagge remained as Dean until his retirement on July 31, 1970, due to poor health. Through the years, his varied background of experience served him well as a leader in education.

Dr. McQuagge was a founder of The University of Southern Mississippi Credit Union, and served as its first director.  When it was decided that (then) Mississippi Southern College needed a credit union, McQuagge, Jesse A. Gore, and  President William D. McCain volunteered to put forward 100 dollars each to fund the enterprise.  The Credit Union was organized November 20, 1956.

McQuagge was active in many professional organizations and commissions, including service on the Mississippi Accrediting Commission for Elementary and Secondary schools, the College Accrediting Commission for Mississippi Colleges, and the State Committee for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).  He was a member of University Baptist Church, Hattiesburg Consistory - Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, and the Kiwanis Club.

Interestingly, McQuagge’s aunt, Miss Alma Hickman, was a professor emeritus of English and one of the original faculty when The University of Southern Mississippi opened its doors as Mississippi Normal College in 1912.

Carl McQuagge died November 13, 1970 at the age of 61.  He suffered a fatal heart attack while attending a luncheon being given in his honor at the University Commons.  He is interred at Highland Cemetery, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Sources

Contents of the Collection

Scope and Content Note

This collection consists of .90 cubic feet of material pertaining to the personal and professional activities of Dr. Carlton Lamar McQuagge between approximately 1928-1971.  Included in the collection are biographical documents, correspondence, school diplomas, Ph.D dissertation, photographs, certificates, and other miscellaneous items.  Also included are items pertaining to events after his death.

Correspondence in the collection includes campaign materials for McQuagge’s run for Vice President of the Mississippi Education Association and letters regarding the passing of Dr. McQuagge.

Newspaper clippings in the collection include articles related to Dr. McQuagge’s accomplishments, retirement and rewards;  the dedication ceremony for Qwings-McQuagge Hall;  and his family.

Topics Covered

Carlton McQuagge
University of Southern Mississippi
Demonstration School
McQuagge Family

Administrative Information

Immediate Source of Acquisition:

Donated by Daniel McQuagge, son of Carlton L. McQuagge on August 5, 1996.

Restrictions Governing Access:

No restrictions.  Open for research.

Restrictions Governing Use:

This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).

Preferred Citation Method:

Item, Title of Collection, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Southern Mississippi.

Language of Materials:

English

Processing information:

Processed by Jill Kochom

Related Material

RG 29  USM Credit Union
RG 54  Demonstration School Records
RG 62  College of Education and Psychology

Other Finding Aids

Container List
Photograph Log

M438
Carlton L. McQuagge Papers
Box and Folder List

M438
Carlton L. McQuagge Papers
Photograph Log

Created by: Jill Kochom

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Revised: March 20, 2007