ne man stands out among the handful of early faculty that left an indelible mark on Texas A&M while building the school's academic reputation. Charles Puryear was quite literally born into the world of academics on the campus of Randolph-Macon College, then near Boydton, Virginia.  His father, noted educator Bennet Puryear, was a professor of chemistry who instilled in his son a love of learning and a strong sense of self-discipline.
   Charles Puryear received a Master of Arts from the University of Richmond in 1881. In addition to receiving a classical and scientific education, he played football and baseball. After graduation he taught mathematics in the public schools. In the summers he took additional work at Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University. In 1888, he accepted an appointment as an instructor in mathematics at the University of Michigan. After only one year in Ann Arbor, Puryear joined the faculty of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas as an associate professor of Civil Engineering and Physics (a combined department).
   At his campus home in the 1930's. From almost his first day on campus, Puryear made a distinct impression on Texas A&M. His students found him strict but fair and always willing to help. Former students later recalled that he was one of the "wise, salty classroom giants...that set the standards for teaching at Texas A&M." During his first year he introduced tennis to the campus. An accomplished horseman, he was often seen riding on the open prairie surrounding the campus. At night he enjoyed playing chess and his skill at the game was legendary. Throughout his career at A&M he was an enthusiastic supporter of all athletic endeavors.  In 1894, he helped establish Texas A&M's first football team and served as manager. In 1890 he was promoted to professor and named head of the Department of Mathematics, a position he would hold until 1930. 

After a time as head of the department, he found the available selection of trigonometry textbooks woefully inadequate to bridge the gap from high school to college. In 1902, he collaborated with Thomas Ulvan Taylor of the University of Texas to produce The Elements of Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, a text that would become a standard at both schools for many years to come.
    In 1907, he was appointed dean of the college, the first person in the history of the institution to hold this office. Puryear developed a reputation as an able administrator who could interpret both the spirit and the letter of college regulations. Often he was described as a "gentleman of the old school" whose views were strongly held and strongly expressed. For the next quarter century, Puryear guided nearly every aspect of academic life at Texas A&M. He became such an integral part of Texas A&M that he was allowed to build his own house on campus, the only faculty member ever permitted to do so.
   Under his direction the College added new courses and restored the study of modern languages. In 1924, he organized and became the first dean of the graduate school, all the while maintaining his other offices. His many duties took a heavy toll on his health and in 1930 he suffered a stroke that forced his retirement. Texas A&M named him Dean Emeritus in 1932.
   For the next eight years he lived quietly in his campus home, devoting his time to reading, music and receiving the visits of friends and former students. He died on July 11, 1940.
   Years later he was still remembered as "undoubtedly one of the most capable men ever to be connected in any capacity with Texas A&M. He was able, just, and competent.