Dr. Richard H. Whitehead in apron and anatomy class, 1890

President Battle expanded professional education to broaden the university's mission. The president's father, former law professor William Horn Battle, resumed legal instruction in 1877. In 1879, the trustees opened a medical school, appointing a local physician as its first professor. The school offered two years of course work, and students completed their education at four-year medical colleges. In 1880, a college of pharmacy opened with required laboratory classes. Soon after, the trustees approved a program to train teachers and school officials. Officials later integrated these satellite professional schools into the university.