Dr. Pearson was elected dean of the Drake University School of Medicine in 1910 (only two years after merging with Keokuk Medical School).

From: “The History of Medicine in Iowa by D.S. Fairchild, M.D., F.A.C.S.;
reprinted from The Journal of the Iowa State Medical Society, 1927”: “The election of Dr. Pearson was fortunate. The work of organization had been completed but there was much to do in perfecting the details and the filling of important positions and in providing means for the expenses which were rapidly increasing. Dr. Pearson with great energy and skill rapidly increased the efficiency of the work and if a sufficient endowment could have been secured, Drake University medical school would have become an institution of much importance and influence.

“Those who have known the school during the period of its existence can bear witness that its methods were ethical. It will be granted we believe, that its influence was for higher standards of medical practice and in some measure at least the most prominent practitioners of the city gained an inspiration which has been and will continue to be helpful in future years.”