Julius Cherry Powell was born on January 23, 1926 in Harriman, Tennessee, the only child of Julius K. Powell and Lucille Cherry Powell. When he was young his family moved to Harrodsburg, Kentucky where his father served as superintendent of public schools. Mr. Powell graduated from Harrodsburg High School in June, 1944. Later his father served as President of Campbellsville College (Kentucky).

Following two years in military service he continued his education at the University of Kentucky where he was graduated in June 1950. In 1952 he received a Master's of Education degree from the University of Louisville and in 1970 received the Doctor of Education degree from the University of Kentucky. His dissertation title: Financing Public Higher Education Plant Expansion in Kentucky reflects a long term interest and responsibility during his years at Eastern.

Before coming to Eastern he was employed as a mathematics teacher at Atherton High School in the Louisville public school system from September, 1950 until Jan, 1953. Between January-1953 to July 1957 he served successively as Assistant Director of Curriculum, Director of Instructional Services, and Assistant to Superintendent of the Louisville Public Schools. From 1957 to 1960 he was employed as divisional director of the Kentucky Department of Education. The primary responsibilities with this later position concerned calculating the distribution of public school funds under the Foundation Program.

In 1960 he joined the staff of Eastern Kentucky University as Executive Assistant to the new University President, Robert R. Martin. Between 1962 and 1976 he served successively as Dean of Business Affairs, Executive Dean and Vice- President for Administration In addition he served as secretary to the the Board of Regents during most of that time. He assumed the Presidency of the University following Dr. Martin's retirement in 1976.

Dr. Powell married Elizabeth D. Case in 1950. They had two daughters; Karen Elizabeth Knezevich born in 1954, and Julia Ann born in 1957 and one grandson. Powell was a member of numerous educational organizations and associations. In addition, he was a member of Phi Delta Kappa fraternity and the Richmond Rotary Club. He attended the First Baptist Church in Richmond. Dr. Powell died after a long bout with cancer on May 16, 1988. Less than a year later, March 4, 1989, Elizabeth Powell passed away. The Powells are buried at the Richmond Cemetery.

Important Dates in the Life of Julius Cherry Powell (1926-1988 )

Jan. 23, 1926 - Born to Julius K. Powell and Lucille C. Powell in Harriman, TN.

1944 - Graduated from Harrodsburg High School.

1950 - Received Bachelor of Arts degree, with distinction, from Univ of KY.

Nov. 1950 - Married Elizabeth D. Case of Harrodsburg, Kentucky.

1952 - Received Master of Education degree from the University of Louisville.

1954 - Daughter, Karen Elizabeth, born.

1957 - Employed as divisional director of Kentucky Department of Education.

1957 - Daughter, Julia Ann, born.

July 1, 1960 - Joined the staff of EKU as Executive Assistant.

1962 - Became Dean of Business Affairs at E.K.U.

1965 - Became Executive Dean at E.K.U.

1969 - Became Vice-President for Administration at E.K.U.

1976 - Elected President of Eastern Kentucky University.