Jacob Forney, IV, 1893-1899

Graduating from the State Normal School in 1886, Jacob Forney IV had the unique privilege of becoming the first president produced by the school in 1893. A native of Jacksonville, Forney attended the Dallas Academy in Selma. Following his graduation from the State Normal School, he received the A.B. degree (with honors) and an honorary M.A. from the University of Alabama. He became principal of Noble Institute for Boys in Anniston from 1890 until 1892, when he returned to the Normal School to teach math. In 1899, Forney resigned from the presidency to become the first Chair of Psychology and Pedagogy in the School of Education at the University of Alabama. He passed away in 1902 in Springville. Forney Hall is named in his honor.