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Valparaiso University: Presidents

B. Wilson Smith, 1863-1867

The Rev. Benjamin Wilson Smith was the classics professor at Valparaiso Male and Female College when he was chosen as president. Smith worked hard to find new sources of students and gave scholarships to war orphans and veterans. Smith also developed the College’s curriculum, adding courses in telegraphy and commerce, which reflected the direction the college would take under Henry Baker Brown. Perhaps because of the College’s growing financial problems, Smith resigned in 1867 to pursue a career as pastor, postmaster and state legislator. He also later wrote a history of the College.

Photo courtesy of De Pauw University Archives

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