Dr. Eugene Caruthers
Dr. Eugene (Gene) P. Caruthers held numerous roles during his time at Langston High School. He was the only Science teacher and also was the director of the Langston Marching Band and Concert Band.
Caruthers taught all science classes: general science, biology and chemistry. This at times proved difficult due to the lack of adequate equipment or even textbooks, but Mr. Caruthers never let that affect his students. “…despite these shortcomings, Mr. Caruthers prepared his students to learn, compete and not be overwhelmed at the college level,” 1958 Langston Graduate George Nichols said.
Caruthers was also the instrumental music teacher at Langston. He spent time teaching 7th and 8th grade students how to read music and play instruments. He also over saw the marching band and concert band for grades 9-12.
Moved to Nashville at a young age where he would later enroll at Tennessee State University and earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1947.
He was the first African American to enroll at East Tennessee State College, now ETSU, where he would earn a Master’s Degree in Administration and graduate in 1957. Later he went on to earn a Doctor of Law Degree from Bethune-Cookman College in 1975.
Dr. Eugene (Gene) P. Caruthers was born in Chicago on July 17, 1923.
After leaving Langston, Caruthers relocated to Daytona Beach, Florida where he served in a number of capacities at Daytona Beach Community College, before returning to Tennessee State University to serve as the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Records. Lastly, Caruthers served as the Director of Admissions and Records at Meharry Medical College.
Additionally, during his time in Johnson City, Mr. Caruthers hosted a radio show on WETB on Saturday afternoons where he played Soul music. This was the only program of its type in East Tennessee. Additionally, he regularly wrote an article in the Johnson City Press Chronicle about issues of interest to the African American Community. Caruthers died in January 1980
As remembered by Nichols, Caruthers was “truly an asset to Langston High School and every student he taught…through his bands he was a goodwill ambassador for the entire city of Johnson City.