William Chauvenet

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William Chauvenet (1820 – 1870) was an early American educator. A professor of mathematics, astronomy, navigation, and surveying, he was always known and well-liked among students and faculty.

1 Education
2 Academic career
- 2.1 United States Navy
- 2.2 Washington University
3 Honors
4 External links

[edit] Education

In 1840, he graduated from Yale University, and was a member of Yale's Skull and Bones.

[edit] Academic career

[edit] United States Navy

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 United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

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.

[edit] Washington University

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 Ridgley 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.

[edit] Honors

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. Chauvenet Hall at the US Naval Academy is named in his honor.