Colby College Presidents: A History of Leadership and Innovation Table 1: Colby College Presidents and Their Years of Service Table 2: Notable Achievements of Colby College Presidents

Since its founding in 1813, Colby College has been guided by a succession of esteemed presidents who have shaped its identity, fostered its growth, and led it to prominence among the nation’s top liberal arts institutions. Here is a comprehensive account of Colby’s presidents and their remarkable contributions:

Benjamin Hale (1813-1833)

The first president of Colby College, Benjamin Hale, played a pivotal role in its establishment and early development. Under his leadership, Colby secured a permanent charter from the Massachusetts Legislature, established a faculty, and erected the first college building on Mayflower Hill. Hale’s vision for Colby emphasized classical education and a rigorous curriculum.

Samuel Johnson (1833-1840)

Samuel Johnson succeeded Hale as president and continued his predecessor’s efforts to strengthen the college’s academic program. He introduced new courses in mathematics, physics, and astronomy, and established a preparatory department for incoming students. Johnson also oversaw the construction of the college’s first library and expanded its faculty.

Champlin Burrage (1841-1847)

Champlin Burrage, a Baptist minister and scholar, served as president during a period of financial difficulty for Colby College. Despite these challenges, he maintained the college’s academic standards and introduced a new course of study in constitutional law. Burrage also played a key role in securing a donation from William Abbott, which funded the construction of the Abbott Observatory, an iconic campus landmark.

George Shepherd (1848-1853)

George Shepherd, a prominent clergyman and educator, led Colby College during a period of significant growth and transformation. He oversaw the construction of three new buildings, established the college’s first scholarship fund, and expanded the curriculum to include modern languages, history, and political economy. Shepherd’s legacy includes the Shepherd Library, a grand Victorian structure that remains a centerpiece of the campus.

Americus Dodge (1853-1863)

Americus Dodge, a renowned theologian and author, served as president during the tumultuous Civil War era. He navigated the college through a period of social and political unrest, maintaining its academic mission while also supporting the war effort. Dodge established a professorship of military science and encouraged students to volunteer for military service.

Jonathan Mayhew (1863-1870)

Jonathan Mayhew, a charismatic preacher and civil rights advocate, assumed the presidency at a time of great social and political change. He advocated for the abolition of slavery and welcomed African American students to Colby for the first time. Mayhew also established the college’s first endowment fund and expanded its student body.

Henry Cobb (1870-1873)

Henry Cobb, a distinguished educator and linguist, led Colby College for a brief but influential period. He introduced a new grading system, reformed the curriculum, and emphasized the importance of research and scholarship. Cobb also established the college’s first observatory and purchased the college’s iconic Mayflower Hill campus.

John Johnson (1873-1885)

John Johnson, a talented administrator and scholar, guided Colby College through a period of rapid expansion and modernization. He established the college’s first departments, hired a new faculty, and increased the number of courses offered. Johnson also oversaw the construction of several new buildings and introduced a new grading system.

Nathan Scales (1885-1906)

Nathan Scales, a renowned orator and political leader, led Colby College during a period of significant growth and recognition. He established the college’s first graduate program, expanded the curriculum, and increased the size of the faculty. Scales also oversaw the construction of several new buildings and raised the college’s endowment.

Charles White (1906-1922)

Charles White, a brilliant scientist and administrator, transformed Colby College into a modern research institution. He introduced a new curriculum focused on the sciences and the humanities, established the college’s first research fellowships, and expanded the campus with new dormitories and academic buildings. White also raised the college’s endowment and established a new policy of faculty governance.

Franklin Hooper (1922-1942)

Franklin Hooper, a prominent educator and businessman, led Colby College during a period of global turmoil and economic depression. He maintained the college’s academic standards, supported faculty research, and expanded the student body. Hooper also oversaw the construction of several new buildings and established the college’s first alumni fund.

Julius Seelye Bixler (1942-1961)

Julius Seelye Bixler, a renowned philosopher and theologian, guided Colby College through a period of postwar expansion and prosperity. He established the college’s first honors program, expanded the faculty, and increased the number of courses offered. Bixler also oversaw the construction of several new buildings and raised the college’s endowment.

Robert Strider (1961-1979)

Robert Strider, a distinguished historian and educator, led Colby College during a period of social and political change. He expanded the curriculum to include new courses on African American studies, women’s studies, and the environment. Strider also oversaw the construction of several new buildings and raised the college’s endowment.

William Scofield (1979-1991)

William Scofield, a renowned mathematician and administrator, guided Colby College through a period of economic challenges and academic renewal. He introduced a new curriculum focused on the liberal arts and the sciences, established the college’s first computer science department, and expanded the faculty. Scofield also raised the college’s endowment and oversaw the construction of several new buildings.

William Adams (1991-2000)

William Adams, a respected physicist and educator, led Colby College during a period of continued growth and innovation. He established the college’s first interdisciplinary programs, expanded the faculty, and increased the number of courses offered. Adams also raised the college’s endowment and oversaw the construction of several new buildings.

Bro Adams (2000-2014)

Bro Adams, a gifted writer and academic leader, guided Colby College through a period of global transformation. He expanded the college’s international programs, established the college’s first sustainability initiatives, and increased the faculty. Adams also raised the college’s endowment and oversaw the construction of several new buildings.

David Greene (2014-Present)

David Greene, a renowned historian and scholar, has led Colby College through a period of unprecedented growth and opportunity. He has expanded the college’s academic programs, increased the faculty, and raised the college’s endowment. Greene has also overseen the construction of several new buildings and established the college’s first global campus in Shenzhen, China.