J. C. Powell

Dr. Julius Cherry Powell was born [January 23, 1926] in [Harriman, Tennessee] to Julius K. and Lucille C. Powell. He graduated from Harrodsburg High School in 1944 and then attended the University of Kentucky after two years in the military. He received his Master's of Education Degree from the [University of Louisville] in 1952 and later received his Doctorate of Education degree from the [University of Kentucky] in 1970.

Powell served as a high school mathematics teacher at Atherton High School in [Louisville, Kentucky] from 1950 until 1953. From 1953 to 1957 he held a variety of positions including Assistant Director of Curriculum, Director of Instructional Services, and Assistant to Superintendent of the Louisville Public Schools. From 1957 to 1960 he was a divisional director for the Kentucky Department of Education and joined the staff of [Eastern Kentucky University] in 1960 as an Executive Assitant to the President.

J.C. held a variety of positions at EKU including Dean of Business Affairs, Executive Dean, and Vice-President for Administration.

Powell became the 7th President of Eastern Kentucky University following Robert R. Martin's retirement in 1976. He served as president until 1984 and was succeeded by Dr. Hanly Funderburk.

Powell died in 1988 and was survived by his wife of over 50 years, Elizabeth D. Case, his two daughters Karen and Julia, and one grandson, Kyle.