Dr. Edgar Henry Summerfield E.H.S. Bailey

Born in Middlefield, Connecticut in 1848, Edgar Henry Summerfield Bailey’s impact on the state of Kansas and the scientific world cannot be understated. After receiving his B.S. in chemistry at Yale University (1873) and Ph.D. at Illinois Wesleyan University (1883), Professor Bailey joined KU in 1883 as the university’s first, and, at the time, only chemistry professor. He served in numerous leadership positions until his retirement in 1933. Professor Bailey taught courses dealing with all forms of chemistry, from physiology to organic to toxicology, but his research in food science and his activism in pure food laws may be his greatest contribution to the field. Outside of the classroom, Professor Bailey helped establish the Kansas State Board of Health, the first of its kind in the nation. He is perhaps best known for coining the original ‘Rock Chalk’ Chant for his science club, creating a tradition that has lasted more than 100 years. Professor Bailey passed away in 1933 at the age of 84, but his legacy has been one of the most impactful of all KU faculty, as the field of chemistry cherishes his research, the student body celebrates his words, and Bailey Hall on Jayhawk Boulevard immortalizes his name.