Mercer University and its Acting President A.P.Montague

Andrew Philip Montague, Acting President 1927-1928

• Latin scholar, educator (1854-1928); A.M., Ph.D., LL.D. degrees; married to May Christian (1881) and Florence Wood (1907)
• Became vice-president of Mercer in 1924, an office especially created for him, after teaching for several years
• Known to possess "indomitable energy and enthusiasm and strong personal magnetism and his distinctive qualities of courtesy, patience, gentleness and loyalty, his cultivated mind, chivalrous nature, and high ideals left their mark upon all who came under his influence."
• Joined in service to the university by his wife, "Mother Montague," who retired in 1956

Public speaking notes:

"If then, I fortify myself thoroughly with information and learn my subject so that it is my very own, and believe in it whole-heartedly, the chances are 9 to 1 that I shall feel but slight nervousness and it is almost certain that such nervousness will disappear within five minutes from the beginning of my speech."

Description of "Mother Montague" from student O. Norman Shands:

"There were no strict rules for residents of Sherwood Hall. The widow of the late Dr. Montague, a member of the faculty, had an apartment in the dormitory and was affectionately known as "Mother Montague." She didn't attempt to exercise any control, but her presence and the respect students had for her exercised a gentle restraint against excesses of behavior."