John Lloyd Newcomb

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John Lloyd Newcomb
Born December 18, 1881(1881-12-18)
Died February 22, 1954
Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Burial place University of Virginia Cemetery
Nationality American
Alma mater College of William and Mary
University of Virginia
Occupation Educator
Known for President of the University of Virginia
Term 1931-1947
Predecessor Edwin A. Alderman
Successor Colgate Darden

John Lloyd Newcomb (born December 18, 1881 in Sassafras, Gloucester County, Virginia[1]; died February 22, 1954)[2] served as the second president of the University of Virginia, ascending to the position after the death of Edwin Alderman. Newcomb, a member of the engineering faculty of the University, oversaw the University through the Depression and the Second World War and managed its physical expansion, including the building of Scott Stadium, the Bayly Art Museum, and Alderman Library.[3]

Newcomb received his B.A. from the College of William and Mary in 1900 and subsequently took a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1903.[4] While a student and after receiving his civil engineering degree he worked as a computer in the engineering office of the Rapid Transit Subway Construction Company in New York and as an engineer for the Norfolk and Southern Railway.[2] Newcomb was appointed an adjunct professor of civil engineering in 1905 by the Board of Visitors of UVA.[5] He became Edwin Alderman's assistant in 1926[6] and succeeded Alderman after the first UVA president died of complications from a stroke. He was confirmed in the position after nearly two years as acting president, despite his lack of national renown.[7]

While president of the University, Newcomb received honorary degrees from Washington and Lee University (doctor of science, 1933)[8] and from his alma mater, the College of William and Mary (LL.D. 1935).[9]

After his death, Newcomb was revealed to be a member of the Seven Society, the UVA secret society known for its gifts to and support of the University community. In 1958 the Seven Society donated $17,777.77 to establish a loan fund for faculty and students in Newcomb's honor.[10]

An engineering professorship, the John Lloyd Newcomb Professor of Material Science and Engineering Physics, is endowed in Newcomb's memory,[11] and the student union building at Virginia, Newcomb Hall, is named after him.[12]

[edit] Academic Career

[edit] References

  1. ^ Rowe, Sylvia (2006-03-22), RootsWeb: VA-GGS-L Archives, <http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/VA-GGS/2006-03/1143084545>. Retrieved on 3 October 2008 
  2. ^ a b "Dr. J.L. Newcomb, Educator, Is Dead", New York Times, 1954-02-23, pp. 25. 
  3. ^ Kelly, Matt (2005-03-05), Hail to the Chiefs: 100 Years Since UVA's First Presidential Inauguration, <http://www.virginia.edu/insideuva/2005/08/chiefs.html>. Retrieved on 3 January 2008 
  4. ^ Dabney, Virginius. Mr. Jefferson's University: A History. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 140. ISBN 081390904X. 
  5. ^ Bruce, Philip Alexander (1921). History of the University of Virginia 1819-1919: The Lengthened Shadow of One Man 4. MacMillan, 300. Retrieved on 2008-01-03. 
  6. ^ Dabney, 131-132.
  7. ^ Head Changes”, Time, 1933-10-13, <http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,746217,00.html>. Retrieved on 3 January 2008 
  8. ^ Washington and Lee University: Honorary Degrees Conferred. Retrieved on 2008-04-21.
  9. ^ Honorary degree recipients - Special Collections Research Center. Retrieved on 2008-04-21.
  10. ^ Ladt, Carroll (1968-02-07), “More Than $50,000 Awarded: Seven's History Of Gifts, Pranks Recalled”, Cavalier Daily, <http://scripta.lib.virginia.edu/cgi-textwg/cavdaily.pl?str=John%20lloyd%20newcomb&offset=4939010&fileid=19680207>. Retrieved on 4 January 2008 
  11. ^ R.E. Johnson (faculty bio), <http://www.virginia.edu/ep/faculty/rejohnson.html>. Retrieved on 3 January 2008 
  12. ^ Newcomb: About Us, <http://www.virginia.edu/newcomb/aboutus/history.html>. Retrieved on 3 January 2008 
Preceded by
Edwin A. Alderman
President of the University of Virginia
1931–1947
Succeeded by
Colgate W. Darden, Jr.