Hanson Tufts Parlin

Hanson Tufts Parlin, one of the first contributors to TSLL, was born on November 7^th, 1879 in Colorado. He graduated from the University of Colorado in 1906 with a B.A. and M.A. degree. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1908, after which he became a faculty member at the University of Texas. The subject of his article for the journal is one he was focused on his entire collegiate life: James Shirley, a 17^th century English poet and playwright. In 1923, Parlin was promoted to full professor. He served as the dean of College of Arts and Sciences for twenty-one years before retiring in 1950. One of his biggest accomplishments as dean was the creation of the Plan II degree program, of which he said allows “students of superior scholastic attainment, the opportunity to get a four-year course in general education free from professional occupation” that contributes to an “enlightened goodness… that will prompt a man to be responsible and willing to serve society in the interest of society as a whole.” (Speech by H.T. Parlin, November 15, 1937). After a long career, Hanson Parlin died on February 3, 1951. To honor his dedication to the University and the arts, Parlin Hall on the University of Texas Campus was named after him in 1968. Students today still walk through the halls, able to achieve his dream of “education for a life, not a living.”