Dr. George McLendon, 1938-1965, HCC President
Dr. George McLendon was a 1913 graduate of the Mississippi Normal College. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education from Peabody College in Nashville, Tenn., in 1922. After graduation, McLendon moved back to Phoenix, Miss., serving as a teacher and principal of the Consolidated School for three years.

McLendon, who at the same time received his Master of Arts degree from Peabody College, became principal of Utica High School in 1926. From there, he moved to the same position at the Demonstration School at State Teachers College in Hattiesburg, now the University of Southern Mississippi. His three-year stint there led to his appointment as Superintendent of Newton Schools in 1931. It was also during this time that McLendon was appointed by Gov. Mike Connor to the Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning.

In 1938, McLendon was chosen to replace G. J. Cain as president of Hinds Junior College. In his 27- year tenure, Hinds experienced a vast amount of growth. He was responsible for the construction of a new football stadium and athletic practice field, and initiated the Hi-Steppers at Hinds, calling on the now-legendary Anna Bee to direct the team in 1953. McLendon also saw the building of a girls' physical education building and an expansion of the gymnasium.

McLendon was a Raymond United Methodist Church member until his death in 1981. He was a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Raymond and the Raymond Lions Club. He also served as a member of the board of directors of the Hinds County Livestock Association and the American Red Cross, and he was on the Development Committee of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce for many years.

The McLendons' two daughters are Jessie Thrash and Betty Bowen.