B. Wilson Smith

Valparaiso Male and Female College President, 1864-1867

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 enroll new students, and he gave scholarships to war orphans and to veterans. Smith also developed the College’s curriculum, adding courses in telegraphy and commerce, which foreshadowed the direction the college would take in later years. 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.