Charles Rhodes Pomeroy

Charles R. Pomeroy
President of Callanan College
In office
1880–1881
3rd President of the Kansas State Normal
In office
January 1, 1874 – August 6, 1879
Preceded by George W. Hoss
Succeeded by Rudolph B. Welch
Personal details
Born Charles Rhodes Pomeroy
June 15, 1830
Weybridge, Vermont
Died June 25, 1916 (aged 86)
Vashon, Washington
Resting place Vashon, Washington
Spouse(s) Mary J. Meeker (1854–1913)
Alma mater Wesleyan University (B.A.; M.A.)
Simpson Centenary College (D.D.)
Occupation Educator

Charles Rhodes Pomeroy (June 15, 1830 – June 25, 1916) was an American educator most notable for serving as the third president of the Kansas State Normal School (KSN), now known as Emporia State University, in Emporia, Kansas.[1]

Biography

Early life and education

Pomeroy was born in Weybridge, Addison County, Vermont on June 15, 1830.[2] In 1856 Pomeroy graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut with a bachelor's and master's of arts, and 1875, he graduated from Simpson Centenary College in Indianola, Iowa with a doctorate.[2]

Early career

In 1854, Pomeroy started his long career in education by teaching Greek at Fort Edward Institute in Fort Edward, New York. From 1855 to 1860, Pomeroy served as a principal at four different institutions: Union Village Academy for one year, Rochester High School for two years, and Genesee Wesleyan Seminary for one year.[3]

Kansas State Normal School presidency

The Kansas Board of Regents selected Pomeroy as the third president of the Kansas State Normal in October 1873, and would begin his tenure on January 1, 1874.[4] Because the economy was poor, Pomeroy had no funds to pay faculty and he had to work without salary. Faculty worked off minimal salary until July 2, 1879 when the board voted that interest and bonds on Normal lands would be paid to teachers for their services during the school year.[4]

During Pomeroy's tenure, a tornado had hit in April 1878 damaged the main building and the campus, followed by a fire that destroyed both buildings at the school. On August 6, 1879, Pomeroy resigned as president.[5]

Later career

After serving four years as president of the Normal School in Emporia, Pomeroy was president of Callanan College in Des Moines, Iowa for six years. From 1886 to 1899, Pomeroy served as the Dean and a professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy at the University of Puget Sound in Washington (state).[6]

Personal life

On December 2, 1854, Pomeroy married Mary J. Meeker and had one child, Charles Harrington Pomeroy on March 28, 1863.[6]

References