William I. Chamberlain

1850-1902; president 1886-90

Connecticut-born, raised on an Ohio farm and graduated from Western Reserve University, Chamberlain taught classics in academies and small colleges until failing health forced him to take up farming. Elected secretary of the Ohio Board of Agriculture in 1880, he greatly extended the board's activities and services while continuing his own scholarly interests.

An administrator of proven ability under ordinary circumstances, he faced an extraordinarily turbulent situation when he assumed the presidency at Iowa State. Student disorders over the fraternity-sorority question, together with continued unrest among Iowa farm interests over Iowa State's curricular development, finally led to his resignation.

ISU presidents index.