Description:Bust length of subject facing three-quarter right and wearing an academic cap and gown. The tassel on the cap is gold and there is a red band around his neck, possibly connected to his academic hood. He is wearing what appears to be a pince-nez, since there is no apparent ear-piece going from his glasses to his left ear, and his blue eyes are looking directly at the viewer. The background is mottled green.
History:The artist's signature is clearly seen at the lower right of the portrait.
Notes:9th President of Cumberland University, Dr. John Royal Harris, served as University President from 1922 until his death in 1926. He was a prohibitionist, Freemason, member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and an ordained minister. Under President Harris' care, the student body doubled in size; the first dormitory for women was built; and Greek life flourished.