Five science professors formed the Professors, a bluegrass/folk band that performed for 44 years, beginning in 1967 when Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway was transitioning to State College of Arkansas, precursor of the University of Central Arkansas.
The band brought to life the “Friendliest College in Arkansas” slogan of the campus during those years, with shows that included a healthy dose of fun and humor along with the folk and bluegrass. One student remarked, “I think they are funny. I enjoy hearing them, because they enjoy themselves … . I didn’t know science professors can have so much fun.” They performed all over the state at fundraising events, football games, Kiwanis meetings and ceremonies, as well as at Conway’s first Toad Suck Daze in 1982. All of the band’s members were born and raised in rural Arkansas.
Ralva Bass, professor of physics, taught both physics and math at ASTC and was from Butlerville. Bass served in World War II and taught high school math in Newport in Jackson County before arriving at ASTC in 1958. He served for one year as interim chair of physics in 1964, and he coached the bowling team on campus. Bass played the rhythm guitar in the band.
Neal Buffaloe, professor and chair of biology, was born in Leachville; he was an author and a minister and began at ASTC in 1957. His service to the campus was honored by two former students, who established the Neal D. Buffaloe Laboratory for Science Education in the Lewis Science Center. Buffaloe, who had formal training in music and played the viola for UCA’s Little Symphony Orchestra, played fiddle in the band.
Jerry Manion, professor and chair of chemistry, was from Beebe, where he was the 1958 high school valedictorian; he started work at ASTC in 1965 and remained employed at UCA until his death in 2014. In 1965, Manion began practicing with the band in one of the chemistry labs or the radioisotope laboratory in Lewis Science Center. Playing the banjo, the guitar and some mandolin as well as singing tenor vocals, Manion became the leader and chief humorist of the band. He also played with the UCA Dixieland Band for more than 35 years.
Denver Prince, professor and chair of physics, was from Magnet Cove. Prince taught high school math, chemistry and physics before joining ASTC’s faculty in 1959. Prince was a strong supporter of UCA athletics, and the Prince Center on UCA’s campus was named in his honor. Prince played the upright bass, but in the early days of the band, it was a washtub bass. Prince helped on chorus as well.
Faril Simpson of Grant County began at ASTC as a professor of chemistry in 1958. He had previously served in World War II and taught at Hall High School in Little Rock. He served as interim chair of chemistry at ASTC in 1964. A lover of old folk music and gospel songs, Simpson had a beautiful, deep voice, and provided lead vocals. He also played rhythm guitar and harmonica.
Under the recording label Wildfire Records, the Professors recorded two albums: “Introducing the Professors” (1972) and “Remember Me” (1985). In addition, they recorded the singles “Salty Dog Blues” (1971), “When It’s Time for the Whippoorwill to Sing” (1971), “Weeds in the Tater Patch” (1972), “Gonna Lay It By” (1972), “Faulkner County” (1973) and “Arkansas Hornpipe” (1973). — Robert Mauldin
This story is taken from the online Encyclopedia of Arkansas, a project of the Central Arkansas Library System. Visit the site at encyclopediaofarkansas.net.
