William Joseph Martin Jr.

William Joseph Martin Jr. was the tenth president of Davidson College, being installed as president in 1912. Martin, the son of a Confederate veteran who was also a professor at Davidson, graduated from Davidson in 1888. After receiving advanced degrees from the University of Virginia and further instruction at Johns Hopkins University, Martin eventually found his way back to Davidson as a chemistry professor.[1]

William Joseph Martin Jr.
10th President of Davidson College
In office
1912–1929
Preceded byHenry Louis Smith
Succeeded byWalter Lee Lingle
Personal details
BornFebruary 10, 1868
Columbia, Tennessee
DiedSeptember 7, 1943
Davidson, North Carolina
EducationDavidson College
University of Virginia
Johns Hopkins University
ProfessionProfessor

As president, Martin steered the college through World War I, when many students left college to fight, by bringing a Student Army Training Corps program to campus.[2] Also, the main academic building, Chambers Building, burned down but Martin was able to secure funding to replace the building. Martin also established a relationship with the Duke Endowment, a relationship that exists still today.[3]

After his retirement, Martin left to work in the PCUSA training school, but returned to Davidson to teach.[citation needed]

The main chemistry building at Davidson is named in his honor.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "Martin, William Joseph, Jr. – Davidson College Archives & Special Collections". Davidson College. Retrieved 2017-07-02.
  2. ^ "Martin, William Joseph, Jr". NCpedia. Retrieved 2017-07-02.
  3. ^ "Trail to the Chiefs: Tour Highlights Presidential Portraits". Davidson College. Retrieved 2017-07-02.
Academic offices
Preceded by President of Davidson College
1912–1929
Succeeded by