McPherson, Walter J. (1916-2013)
Date Updated
10-17-2019
Department
Men's P.E. (now Human Performance)
Academic Rank
Professor
Year Retired from SJSU
1977
Educational Background
Stanford University, 1951 MA
San Jose State, 1938 BA
Teaching Experience
San Jose State University, 1939-1978
Administrative and Professional Experience
Odd jobs only. Partner in dairy.
Selected Publications
None
Files
Personal Commentary
I graduated from SJSU in December 1938. As of January 1939, I held a part‑time position as frosh basketball coach and varsity baseball coach for the winter and spring quarters.
In the fall of '39, I was hired on the regular faculty teaching PE classes and coaching baseball, basketball, backfield football and men's golf.
I entered the U.S. Navy in June of 1942, and served in Corpus Christi, TX, and Astoria, OR. Out of the service in November, 1945, I returned to the same teaching and coaching routine until the fall of 1948, when I dropped both baseball and football, but continued with basketball and golf until 1960.
In 1961, I was appointed to the office of Athletic Director, but held that position for only one year, as I was chosen to head the Men's PE and Athletic Department (they were combined at that time). I held that position until 1969, when I resigned to enjoy my one and only sabbatical leave.
From the fall of 1969 until June of 1977, I spent my time teaching PE majors and supervising student teachers. During the '60s and '70s, our department (men's only) had an average of more than 40 student teachers per semester.
Although I officially retired in June of '77, I did work part‑time the following year, as several department members were out on sabbatical leaves.
I look back on a most enjoyable career.
Date Completed: 7/96
Adapted from: Biographies of Retired Faculty San Jose State University 1997: A Project of the Emeritus Faculty Association of San Jose State University. San Jose, CA: The University, 1997.