Building Namesakes

Bishop began his academic career in Kentucky, where he enslaved several individuals, one of whom he brought with his family to Ohio during his presidency. His day books record that he also benefited from the labor of a “Negro Girl” in his household, as well whom he paid meager wages. Bishop is a complicated figure because while he was an abolitionist, he was also a leader of the American Colonization Society (ACS), which restricted African American’s right to choose their fate and emigration status, instead choosing for them to be sent “back” to Africa.

McGuffey is well known for his McGuffey Readers, a collection of graded primers and textbooks, and is viewed as an educational leader of his time. However, while in Virginia, McGuffey enslaved three individuals in his household, which has been publicly acknowledged by the University of Virginia. Additionally, he was another member of the American Colonization Society. 

Laws was a strong confederate sympathizer. He was the valedictorian of Miami University and went on to be president of the New York Stock Exchange and inventor of ticker tape. However, during the Civil War, he refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Federal Government and was imprisoned in the Illinois State Prison. He fled to Europe and remained in London until the war was over. 

Nellie Craig Walker was the first black student to graduate from Miami University in 1905. She earned a two-year teaching certificate and was the first Black educator to student teach in the community's public school to mixed-race classes.  Craig Walker's father fought as a private within the Civil War, and her mother was a freed slave from Kentucky. Although neither of her parents could read or write, they were highly supportive of Craig Walker pursuing higher education. Although she received her teaching degree in Ohio, the state didn't accept Black teachers during this time, so she taught in Indiana after graduating.  After marrying her husband, Damion Walker, the couple moved to Cleveland, where she taught as he ran his tire company. After he passed, Craig Walker continued to run his tire business. 

Olive Flower was a graduate, teacher, registrar, and dean of Oxford College for Women from 1893 until 1928 when the college closed, and she began her position as Miami University’s assistant registrar until 1946. An integral figure in Oxford College, she also wrote The History of Oxford College for Women 1830-1928, a foundational piece of women’s history at Miami. In 1949, she was awarded the Miami University Bishop Medal for her exceptional scholarship and service to the University, and Flower Hall was dedicated in her name following its construction in 1966.

Margaret Evertson Phillips was Miami University's Director of Physical Education for Women from 1929 to 1963. She received her degrees from Vassar College and Wellesley College. Phillips was one of two employees within the Women's Physical Education Department. She would go on to serve as chair for the department for over 40 years. Phillips was also an active member within her community, as she was involved with the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and Oxford Museum Association.