He cared most to convince his hearers that people matter more than things, that straight thinking is requisite to good citizenship, that there is no quarrel between intelligence and goodness, knowledge and righteousness, science and religion.  For these truths as he saw them he would have stood alone against the world.

Isabel McKinney
The Life and Words of Livingston C. Lord, 1937

Lord went above and beyond his duties as president.  He was the face and voice of the school and this was recognized in Charleston as well as throughout the country.  Within nine years of Eastern’s establishment, he built a solid and talented faculty which made the institution one of the leading normal schools in the nation.  This led to its selection into the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Some aspects of his leadership style seemed unconventional to the conservative Charleston community.  However, those that opposed his methods still held him in the highest regard.  Every morning at 9:00 Lord conducted Chapel at Eastern.  During the half hour exercise he would recite scripture, lead the audience in song, or read great works of literature.  The entire school was required to attend, and it was not uncommon to find local community member in attendance as well.

	A Teacher's Request		A Student's Apology		Enforcing Values Lord took interest in his students as people as well as pupils		Request for Publication of Chapel Talks
	Letter to Alumnus, Draft		Letter to Alumnus		The Future of Normal Schools Educators all over the country sought Lord's opinion		Attraction to Eastern Lord strived to make Eastern a natural and "healthy" campus

The Dancing Controversy of 1909
In 1909 students began finding entertainment in the form of dances within the Charleston community.  At the opening of the women’s dorm, Pemberton Hall, Lord permitted supervised student dances on campus.  Although, personally opposed to dancing, he recognized it as a valuable social skill.  Sponsoring more progressive social events met students’ recreational desires while ensuring that they remain in a safe environment.

 The controversy received a lot of media attention across the Midwest, generating concern from community members and parents. Throughout the ordeal, Lord remained composed and received loyal support from former students and fellow educators.   

	Letter to Lord 3-3-09		Lord's Response to 3-3 Letter 3-5-09		Lord Writing to the St. Louis Globe-Democrat 3-8-09		Letter From Superintendent of Schools 3-8-09
	Letter of Support From a Student 3-10-09		Letter From a Concerned Citizen 3-23-09		Lord's Response to 3-23 Letter 3-26-09		Letter From Senator Pemberton
	Lord Writing to Senator Pemberton 3-23-09		Senator Pemberton's Response to 2-23 Letter From Lord 3-25-09		Lord Writing to Senator Pemberton 2-26-09