William D. Gibbs

William David Gibbs (March 15, 1869 - December 6, 1944) was the second elected President of the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts from 1907-1912, in Durham, New Hampshire, United States, which in 1923 became the University of New Hampshire. During his presidency student numbers tripled to 315, and the number of college buildings reached 15. He believed that students' time should be divided equally between cultural studies, pure science, and vocational studies.[1]

William D. Gibbs
2nd President of New Hampshire College
In office
1907–1912
Preceded byCharles S. Murkland
Succeeded byEdward Thomson Fairchild
Personal details
BornMarch 15, 1869
Winchester, Illinois
DiedDecember 6, 1944(1944-12-06) (aged 75)
Wisconsin

He was born in Winchester, Illinois.[1]

In 1912 there was a student strike 2–6 May after Gibbs suspended a student, William H. L. Brackett, for setting off a false fire alarm. The suspension was overturned by the Board of Trustees.[2] Gibbs resigned later that year, stating in his 1 July letter of resignation that "Business opportunities which particularly appeal to me have influenced me to my decision, although I regret to sever associations which have brought to me much pleasure."[3]

Gibbs died in Wisconsin on December 6, 1944 [4]

The University of New Hampshire built a residence hall named Gibbs Hall in his honor, it was dedicated on June 14, 1947.[5]

References
  1. "Guide to the William D. Gibbs Papers, 1907-1912". University of New Hampshire Archives. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
  2. "Significant Events at the University of New Hampshire". University of New Hampshire Archives. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  3. "College without a President: Successor to W.D. Gibbs Not Yet Elected". The New Hampshire. 2 (1): 1, 4. September 18, 1912. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  4. "Family Search - William D. Gibbs".
  5. "Student Residences". University of New Hampshire Library. Retrieved May 6, 2021.


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