Indiana Broadcast History Archive

Clarence Morgan, known as “Hoosier Schoolmaster of the Air,” personally developed Indiana State University’s educational radio program. Morgan produced and directed over 10,000 radio and television broadcasts, which brought prestige and status to ISU’s broadcast program. Many of his students went on to their own successful radio careers. 

Morgan was born on July 4, 1903, in Linton, Indiana. His father was a coal miner, but Morgan headed to DePauw University for a college degree. While in college, he received his broadcast license. After graduation, he moved home to Linton to teach high school and run a radio club. Later, he attended Indiana State Teachers College, now known as Indiana State University, in Terre Haute, to get his master's degree and finally, Indiana University for his educational doctorate. 

In 1933, Morgan began teaching English at Indiana State.  He was also working on growing the College’s radio department through producing programs for WBOW radio, in Terre Haute, which was affiliated with NBC. 

Photo courtesy of Indiana Broadcast Pioneers

Notably, Morgan and his students produced two radio series, “The Story Princess of the Music Box” and “The Peter Rabbit News Service” which were regarded as the first news broadcasts created for children.  

By 1939 the ISU radio program had a dozen different broadcasting classes, one of the largest offerings in the country. He coined the name “Hoosier Schoolmaster of the Air” for his advancements in broadcast at the university. 

When Terre Haute got its first TV station in 1954, WTHI-TV, Morgan and his students produced educational programs on that medium as well. After 35 years at ISU, Morgan retired in 1969. 

Morgan and his wife, Ruth, then moved to Florida where they taught at Florida Atlantic University. Morgan passed away in 1995 at the age of 92. 

Their son, Thomas Morgan, also became a leader in educational broadcasting. 

In 2003, Morgan was posthumously inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Hall of Fame. He was nominated by colleagues and former students who were impacted by his teaching and work.   

January 2025

By Lily Saylor