BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

William M. Beasley was born on September 9, 1924. He was a native of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and graduated from the city’s Central High School in 1942. In June of that same year, Beasley enrolled in college at Middle Tennessee State College. Besides being a student, Beasley also enlisted in the Air Corps in December of 1942. On March 10, 1943 he was called to active duty. Starting in March, Beasley attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and soon graduated from Class “B” Pre-Meteorological School for the Air Corps on September 18, 1943. After his studies at UNC, he enrolled in the Meteorology School at the University of Chicago and graduated from there in June, 1944. After his training in meteorological studies, Beasley was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed briefly in the Philippine Islands and also in the United States. In May of 1946, he was discharged as First Lieutenant and in June he reenrolled in M.T.S.C. By August, 1947 he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in English and Science. From 1947-1949, Beasley attended Vanderbilt University and received his Master of Arts degree in English with a minor in history. In 1955, Beasley began teaching in the English Department at M.T.S.C. While teaching, he continued pursuing more education and by June of 1958, he obtained his Ph.D. in English from Vanderbilt University. During his tenure at M.T.S.C./MTSU, Beasley served as the Chair of the English Department and was an active participant in establishing the Doctorate of Arts program at MTSU during the early 1970s. In addition, he was a member of the Alumni Committee and helped develop the Alumni Center at MTSU. After numerous years of serving MTSU, Beasley retired in 1987.