William Chauvenet

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William Chauvenet (1820 – 1870) was an early American educator.

In 1840 he graduated from Yale University, and was a member of Yale's Skull and Bones. In 1841 he was appointed a professor of mathematics in the United States Navy, and for a while served on Mississippi. A year later he was appointed to the chair of mathematics at the naval asylum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was instrumental in the founding of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. A professor of mathematics, astronomy, navigation, and surveying, he was always known and well-liked among students and faculty. During his time at the Naval Academy, he was offered two professorships at his alma mater: in 1855 the professorship of mathematics; and in 1859 the professorship of astronomy and natural philosophy at Yale. He declined both.

In 1859 he was elected to the chair of mathematics at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. At Washington University, he quickly gained fame and the good will of his colleagues. A plaque dedicated to him was later engraved on the façade of Ridgely Library at Washington University.

In 1862 he was elected Chancellor of the university despite opposition from several members of the board of trustees, largely because of the vocal recommendation of his old friend, fellow bonesman, and then-chancellor Joseph Gibson Hoyt.

The Chauvenet Prize of the Mathematical Association of America is named in his honor. It is awarded yearly for an article exhibiting excellence in expository writing on a mathematical topic.