James E. Anderson, Sr. was an educator and civic leader. Born in Springfield, Missouri, Anderson experienced early adversity, losing his parents at a young age. He was raised by relatives in Chanute, Kansas, before moving to Wichita as a high school student. There, he graduated from Wichita East High School, laying the foundation for an exceptional career in education and public service. Anderson pursued higher education with vigor, earning an A.B. degree from Wichita State University and an M.A. degree from Columbia University in New York City. His commitment to lifelong learning was evident in the more than 60 additional graduate credit hours he completed at institutions including the University of Kansas, Emporia State Teachers College, the University of Michigan, and Wichita State University. Even in retirement, he was contemplating pursuing a doctorate. He began his professional career as a classroom teacher at L’Ouverture School in Wichita. In 1937, he became principal of Dunbar School, a role he held from 1937 to 1942 and resumed from 1942 until his retirement in 1972. Over the span of four decades, Anderson earned widespread respect for his unwavering dedication to students—particularly those facing challenges—and for his compassionate leadership. Colleagues praised his deep concern […]