James Evans Rhoads (1828—1895) from Marple Township, Pennsylvania was an American educator and administrator, president of Bryn Mawr College.

James Evans Rhoads
1st President of Bryn Mawr College
In office
1884–1894
Succeeded byM. Carey Thomas
Personal details
Born1828
Died1895
NationalityAmerican
Known forEducator

Biography

edit

At the founding of Bryn Mawr College, Rhoads was named Vice-President (Frances T. King was the first President). However, Rhoads became president in 1884 before Bryn Mawr was officially inaugurated on September 23, 1885.[1] Rhoads helped establish Bryn Mawr as an internationally respected, non-denominational school. It was the first higher education institution to offer graduate degrees, including doctorates, to women. The first class included 36 undergraduate women and eight graduate students. At the founding Rhoads gave a brief speech honoring Joseph W. Taylor, Bryn Mawr's founder. Rhoads served until 1894.[1] James E. Rhoads Hall was named after him.[2]

Prior to serving as President of Bryn Mawr, Rhoads was an active advocate for the social and educational rights of African Americans and Native Americans. He was a founder of the Hampton Institute (later Hampton University) in Virginia and co-founded the Indian Rights Association in 1882.

M. Carey Thomas followed him as president of the college (prior to becoming President of Bryn Mawr College, Thomas served as the Dean of the Faculty).

In 1893, Rhoads was elected to the American Philosophical Society.[3]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b James E. Rhoads, first president of Bryn Mawr College (1884-1894)[permanent dead link], Bryn Mawr College
  2. ^ James E. Rhoads Hall, Historic Campus Architecture Project
  3. ^ "APS Member History". search.amphilsoc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-26.