Racehorse Shares . . .

Perhaps it was his wry sense of humor or his ability to apply theory to current events that won students over, despite the demands of his coursework. Among his personal papers, he preserved one student’s comments: “Dean Greene explained the material in a way that I could understand it. His sense of humor was also a wonderful touch. I enjoyed the current events he brought to the classroom and his genuine enjoyment of teaching. He is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had!”

Greene's exceptional efforts to provide opportunities for students included the founding of the Young Bankers Section of the Mississippi Bankers Association (1950) and the Business Student Advisory Council (1965). Each year since the latter's founding, the Council has hosted an annual honors banquet.

Dr. Joseph A. Greene accepts cash donations commemorating his 30th anniversary with Southern Miss from Powell Ogletree. The plaque in the background acknowledges his instrumental role in the founding of the Young Bankers Section of the Mississippi Bankers Association.

10 Professor Greene, unk, Bill Flowers, JAG.jpeg

Bill Flowers introducing Dr. Greene to his namesake, racehorse Professor Greene, stabled at Roy Rogers ranch in California

Racehorse Professor Greene approaching finish line to claim first prize at the Ponoma racetrack. The thoroughbred’s sire had won the Preakness and placed in the Belmont Stakes. Professor Greene would run in seventy races, placing first, second or third in thirty-four of them.

In 1979, Greene himself became the honoree for a special banquet given on the occasion of his thirtieth anniversary by faculty, current and past students, and members of the business community. In Memoirs: Building the College of Business Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi, 1949-1985, Greene acknowledged the event as “one of the greatest honors bestowed upon me as a Dean. . . It was the remarks made personally to me by many, including my faculty, who told me how much they appreciated me and my tenure at Southern. . . I felt immense pride for as Roy Moore remarked in the roast: ‘Who else in anyone’s memory has ever been honored for never progressing above the job he had been hired into thirty years before?’” Among the gifts presented to him were two shares in a racehorse which were to benefit the USM Foundation and a portrait of the thoroughbred named in his honor bestowed by former student, Bill Flowers.