Raymond M. Hughes

1873-1958; president 1927-36

Hughes was Iowa State's first Iowa-born president, but grew up in Ohio and graduate from Miami (Ohio) University

After further studies at Ohio State University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he returned to Miami as a professor chemistry. He rose to dean and then to president before taking the presidency at Iowa State.

Guiding the college through the difficult Depression years, he brought Iowa State into a more harmonious relationship with sister institutions in the state system; promoted the enrichment of technical curricula; broadened research to focus on problems involving interdivisional efforts; established several research and service supporting agencies, most notably the Statistical Laboratory; and instituted the development of placement and student counseling services.

Failing health led to Hughes' retirement.

ISU presidents index.