Azor W. Van Hoose

Dr. Azor Warner Van Hoose, the second president of Brenau University, was born on Dec. 31, 1860, in Griffin, Georgia.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in 1882 and a doctorate from Mercer University. He was a professor of math and science at South Georgia College and professor of math and Latin at Howard College in Alabama.

Gainesville’s governing body had put the then-Georgia Baptist Female Seminary up for sale in 1886 upon the death of its founder and president Rev. W.C. Wilkes. Van Hoose purchased the school from the city at the age of 26 and became the institution’s second president.

As president of the institution, Van Hoose purchased the building known as Wilkes Hall, which was used as a dormitory by 1893, and added Bailey Hall.

Van Hoose operated Brenau solely until 1900. In the 1890s, Van Hoose sought a partner and sold  half of his shares to Dr. Haywood Jefferson “H.J.” Pearce Sr. in 1893; the two served as co-presidents. Under his leadership the school attendance increased and it gained a reputation as a conservatory of music.  

Van Hoose went to Shorter College in 1910 to serve as president, a role he retained until his death in 1921.