Dr. John S. Flory, born in 1866 in Rockingham County, Virginia, to Daniel and Susannah Flory, devoted most of his life to Bridgewater College. He first came to Bridgewater as a student in 1888. He received his B.A. in 1902, having already received a B.Lit. degree from Mt. Morris College in Illinois, and went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in 1907. He became a gifted professor and taught English literature at Bridgewater, as well as serving as the College’s vice president.

In 1910, he became president of the College and served in that capacity until 1919, when he resigned in order to return to teaching full-time. He served as the chair of the English department until his retirement in 1941. Highly respected due to his reputation as conscientious and hard-working, he left a strong impression on the generations of students he taught, proving himself to be a successful teacher and dedicated scholar.

Married to Vinnie Mikesell Flory, he had two children, John S. Flory, Jr., and Margaret Flory Wampler Rainbolt, who graduated from Bridgewater College in 1932 and 1937, respectively. The honors program is named the Dr. John S. Flory Fellowship of Scholars in recognition of his legacy at Bridgewater College.