Kohler, Edwin Philip, II, Dean, 2001 June 20

This is a living history interview with Dean Ed Kohler, staff of Georgia Tech between 1963 and 1991 and honorary alum in 1994, conducted by Marilyn Somers on June 20, 2001 at his home in Atlanta, Georgia. The subject is his life and experiences at Georgia Tech. Dean Kohler grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania. His father was a farmer and a teacher and his mother was a nurse. He enjoyed his childhood, but looked forward to leaving home and seeing the world. Dean Kohler enlisted it the military and left immediately after he graduated from high school. He spent 18 months in Korea, even though the war was over. When he finished his time in the service, he attended Penn State on the G.I. Bill. He became active in fraternity life and took every chance to see the world. While in college, Dean Kohler went on a three-month trip to California. He took a job as a field representative for his fraternity, Acacia, after he graduated. While traveling for this job, he met Jim Dull who invited him to Tech. During a visit to campus, he accepted the position as Fraternity Advisor. Dean Kohler married a short time later and he and his wife lived in the Smith dormitory resident advisor apartment even after their first son was born in 1965. The students were like uncles to the baby. Their second son was born in 1969 after they moved off campus. Dean Kohler worked in the effort to open the new student center and also became the Associate Dean of Students. He shares stories of Dean Griffin, Dorothy Crosland, and the tradition of the Wramblin’ Wreck. The students honored him when they presented him with a stolen “T”. Dean Kohler earned his Masters in Education at Georgia State University. Since retiring, from Tech, he enjoys working on cars and spending time with his family.