VOLUME LXIII NUMBER 2
THE TWIG
NEWSPAPER OF THE STUDENTS OP MEREDITH CO.LEQE
SEPTEMBER 10, 1964
John Weems: More than just a president
by Cynthia L Church
The oversized desk would make most
men look small, yet it fits him perfectly.
From the volumes of The World’s
Progress on a shelf to the putters and golf
balls in the corner, one can sense his
personality. Its setting is fonnal but a
casual atn»$pliere is nestled In his office
among the comfortable highback chairs,
the conference table and the paintings,
signed Weems.
The graduate of George Peabody Col
lege, in his homestate of Tennessee, has
been president of Meredith College since
January of 1972. John E. Weems has held
important positions at Atlantic Christian
College, Kmtucky Weslyn College and
Middle Tennessee University before
arriving at Meredith.
“Meredith is almost the ideal school,"
said Weems. However, “I don’t anticipate
staying here until I’m 65."
Hail to the Chief
During the past 12 years Weems has
t)een at Meredith, much has been accom
plished. “We're not planning to be the
world’s largest small women’s college,”
said Weems.
This may be true; however, he has
been the instigator of many campus-
oriented changes. The library's resources
has Increased, programs have been
d««loped to serve the cofmnmtty, the
physical beauty of the campus has im-
roved and a new church has been built.
Financially, Meredith has become ex
tremely stable.
“What he's done in the last 10 years is
tremendous. He's put the college on its
financial feet," said Eve Dulaney, WeerTfs
secretary.
Wtoms has also been successful as
an administrator.
There Is "total freedprir under his
administration. I'm able to doffny job in a
way that's comfortable to nre. He's good
for the school and I'm sure all the other
vice presidents would say essentially the
same thing," said Vice President Joe
B^er.
“He gives out responslblity aid gives
you the space to do the |ob," said Dulaney.
As the “chief administrator and chief
academic officer'' of tvleredith, Weems is
president “24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It takes a lot of energy. It really does. I'm
always President of Meredith no matter
where I am."
If Weems is not In his offtee, he is
either representing the college off-
campus, is at a ceremonial or formal
event, is entertaining outside guests on
campus or is at home with his wife,
Frankie.
The Other Side
They met in college and got married at
age 22 in 1953 after dating forS years.
"After 30 years, there's not much dif
ference between us. He's still the man I fell
in love with and he’s still the man I’m In
iove with now,” said Frankie, the mother
of three.
Being married to the president of a
college "Is a fine position to find yourself
In," said Frankie. "1 help him with his Job
and with what the college is doing. It
keeps me informed with Meredith.”
Mrs. Weems described her husband
as “a family man. He Is very active and re
quires little sleep. He has an active, fertile
mind and is very creative. He knows a lot
about a lot of things.”
“He's a real teacher. He likes to be
learning or explaining things to people."
“We spend hours together talking.
He's veiy exciting to be with.”
"Thwe’s always a 'project' going on.
Usually it's scientific. Now It's com
puters.”
Weems enjoys programming com-
uters and software and leamiagJww th^
woiK. “I am a great advocate of science,”
said Weenns. “I have a graphics
package...and \ design programs.”
Weems was the first person in North
Carolina to create a hologram- a type of 3-
D picture. He has a lab In his basement
where he experiments with things that in
terest him.
"The way I think,” said W«ms, “I
have never found anything I couldn't do. If
I can do it, anyone can do It, I have never
had ah exited view of myself or the things
I've done. Things just come easily for me.
There's nothing I won’t tackid!
Weems recalled the time his wife
bought a bird feeder for $19.95. He told her
he could build one better than that for
S2.25. As It turned out, he was wrong. He
found that for S2.2S he could build 20. And
he did.
Building binj feeders was one project
Wwms picked up. Another that excelled
John E. Mtems, Pre^dent of Mervdlth College
was doodling.
V\teems’ doodles are not faces or ani-
m8lsibMt.“(»gfjjj|y..fjttf!)i fosQs jj»de into
geometric shapes.” As meetings progress,
his doodles ttecome more elaborate. After
the meeting, people ask for his master
pieces.
He has be^ painting for the past 13
years and has had his works displayed in
art shows and homes throughout 15
states. Although his artwork has been
successful, Weems said, “It's a hot^y,
that's all It's been."
Weems also designs. During meet
ings he has designed engines and hydro
gen converters. He has recently designed a
house for him and his wife In Blowing
Rock, N.C.
“It's a good-looking house,” said
Frankie.
All Aboard"
Dr. Weems' father was a railroad
engineer. As a child, Weems was able to
travel, unlike many. His interests In travel
continued as an adult.
“Three years ago we (Mr. Baker, Dr,
Weems and their wives) spent three weeks
in Europe. We went to Holland, Germany,
Auartai...SwitzexlAQ£l. Fiancs, Btg^gium and
England. We played golf while we were
there," said Baker.
Weems has also travded to East
Africa, "Just to see the animals. I was
afraid they would become extinct.”
On another trip, this time to Scotland,
Weems played on the Scottish golf course.
He and Frankie share an interest in golf.
“I play golf regularly now. I’m a 10
handicapper. Golf comes easy for me.”
When asked what he would like to
change about his life, Weems replied that
he is impulsive. “If I want to do something,
I do It.” Me added that he has no regrets
and would not do anything differently.
John Wmms has been successful
with his family, his career and in puraulng
his Interests.Hls life has not disappointed
him. His wisdom extends Into every field
that appeals to him. From science to
religion, John E. Weems’ knowledge
seems endless. He gets wfiat he wants
from life and is pleased thus far with what
he has received.
Tom DeLuca:
Are you ready for him?
Tom DeLuca appearing September 17, at 7:30p.m.
by Louann Browe
If you believe In extrasensory per
ception, psychic phenomena, the Easter
Bunny... then you’re ready for Tom
DeLuca.
A hypnotist, Tom DeLuca is the only
personality to successfully blend comic
parody with the art of hypnosis. Using his
keen mind and wit as his only prop, he
produces spectacular psychic mind read
ing effects with comedy as their founda
tion. Drawing upon his Master’s Degree In
Psychology and years of experience as a
clinical hypno-therapist and seminar In
structor, Tom tailors his show to amuse,
entertain, and educate any type of
audience. At nearly every place he’s ap-
eared, Tom's act was so well received that
he's almost always asked to come back.
Don’t miss the Tom DeLuca Show
September 17 at 7; 30 p.m. in Jones Audi
torium, admission: $1.00 students and
staff, S2.00 pulbic.
Although there are many amateurs
and magicians who try to cover the bare
essentials of hypnosis, Tom’s show
stands in a class by itself. As many as fif
teen volunteers from the audience are
simultaneously placed under hypnosis to
give graphic and hunx>rous proof of the
power of the mind. The combination of
BSP and Hypnosis has produced one ol
the most unique and popular shows avail
able.