Marshall Elizer
1912 - 2009
Marshall Elizer received his M.A. degree from the University of Georgia and joined the faculty at Oxford College in 1946. Prior to coming to Oxford as a professor of mathematics, Elizer served in the United States Army during World War II and later, in Korea. After graduating from Officer Candidate School, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and was sent to Harvard University’s Cruft Laboratories to study radar.
He and his wife, Frances were married in 1942 while he was still in military service. In 1943, he was stationed at West Point where he taught mathematics.
He and his wife, Frances were married in 1942 while he was still in military service. In 1943, he was stationed at West Point where he taught mathematics.
While at Oxford, Elizer served the college not only as a mathematics professor, but also as a business manager, director of student affairs, and lecturer. He was also deeply involved in civic affairs, serving as the mayor of Oxford, chairman of the Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce, member of the Newton Planning Commission, and founding member of the Oxford Historical Shrine Society. Elizer was also president of the Historical Cemetery Foundation and had extensive knowledge concerning those buried in the southeast section. What made him a legend at Oxford, however, was his involvement in the lives of his students and his exemplary stewardship of Oxford’s resources. The Marshall R. Elizer Scholarship was established by alumni, friends and family in 1987 at Oxford College in his honor. The Elizers house and property on Emory Street was bequeathed to the college and is used as an organic “teaching” farm.
