William Bass Hatcher was born in Ripley, Mississippi, on December 12, 1888. He spent his early years in Texas and Louisiana. His parents were both educators and Hatcher began teaching grade school in 1908 after completing high school at the age of 15. From 1908 through 1915, Hatcher served as principal at the Junction City, Arkansas elementary school and at various school systems in Union, Iberville, and East Baton Rouge Parishes, La. In 1916, he was unanimously elected Superintendent of East Baton Rouge Parish Schools and continued to receive full endorsement by the board of directors in all subsequent elections until he resigned in 1935. From 1936 until his death in 1947, Hatcher worked at Louisiana State University in the History Department, the Junior College Division, the Freshman Division, the College of Arts and Sciences, and finally as President.
From the description of William B. Hatcher papers, 1928-1947 (bulk 1941-1946). (Louisiana State University). WorldCat record id: 308677481
