John B. Horner taught English and history at Oregon Agricultural College from 1891 until his death in 1933; founded the college museum; and wrote extensively on Oregon history and literature. He married Isabelle Skimpton on September 5, 1880.
Francois Archibald Gilfillan was officially appointed as the acting president of Oregon State College in September 1941 after the resignation of President Ballard; however, he had been serving as the chair of the Administrative Council and carrying out the president's campus duties since October 1940. Ballard led the college through the uncertain months that marked the beginning of World War II until August L. Strand's arrival in October 1942.