Dr. Floyd D. Golden served as the second president of what became Eastern New Mexico University from 1941-1960. In his book, “The Golden Years,” he details the founding and growth of Eastern through 1960.

In a forward to the book, Dr. Charles W. Meister, fourth president from 1965-75, writes:

“The man who probably contributed the most to the successful establishment of Eastern New Mexico University is Floyd Dewey Golden. Many stories are told of how Floyd Golden talked waitresses and gas station attendants into attending Eastern, on his way to lobbying the state legislature in Santa Fe for more money to operate the school. His enthusiasm, his determination and, above all, his hard work made it possible for a small town to harbor a significant state university.

“His coming to Portales as school superintendent in 1928 was fortuitous, since the small eastern New Mexico town was in the process of requesting that an institution of higher education be established there by the state legislature. Golden quickly became the focal point of this thrust. He worked unceasingly to help open the doors of the new institution.

“After serving as dean from 1934-41, he became second president of the institution in 1941, and served in that capacity for nineteen years. Much of the growth in size, prestige, and academic quality was due to his tenacious leadership. He was particularly adept at selecting dedicated and well-qualified faculty members. During his tenure the school evolved through phases of normal school, junior college, a four-year college, and finally a state university.

“From a two-year institution in its inception it grew until it offered the Education Specialist degree, representing one year’s work beyond the master’s degree. In size the school rapidly became the third largest in the state, far larger than all of the smaller state schools. This was a great tribute to many dedicated people, but first and foremost would be the man entitled to be called “Mr. Eastern,” Floyd Golden.

ENMU’s Golden Library is named after Dr. Floyd Golden. A copy of ‘The Golden Years’ can be found in the library’s archives. For more information, e-mail Gene Bundy at gene.bundy@enmu.edu.