William P. Tolley
William Pearson Tolley (1900–1996) was chancellor of Syracuse University from 1942 to 1969, holding that position for the longest time of any chancellor.
Background
Tolley was born in Honesdale, Pennsylvania to Adolphus and Emma Tolley and grew up in Binghamton, New York. He graduated as valedictorian of his high school class in 1918.[1]
Education
Tolley graduated from Syracuse University in the class of 1922. He put himself through college partly with the money he made playing saxophone in a group called the Synful Syncopators. He received four advanced degrees in total, including a doctorate from Columbia University.[2] He earned a Master of Philosophy degree in 1924 and was ordained a deacon. In 1925, he obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University. He earned master's and doctoral degrees from Columbia University in 1927 and 1930.[1]
Career
At the age of 30, he was named president of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania and became the nation's youngest president of a four-year college. In 1942, he became the chancellor of Syracuse University and served in this position for 27 years. During his time, the university's gross assets went from $15 million to $200 million and its endowment increased from $5 million to $56 million.[2]
Hobbies
Tolley loved reading, typically reading about 300 books a year. He collected rare books and donated many to the university's library.[2]
Books
He authored an autobiography "At the Foundation of Youth: Memoirs of a College President." He also published many scholarly works.[2]
Family
Tolley died in Syracuse in 1996. [1] He is survived by two daughters, Nelda T. Price and Katryn T. Kritz. He is survived by one son, William P. Tolley Jr. His wife was the former Ruth Marion Canfield, who died in 1988. She was also a graduate of Syracuse University as part of the class of 1922.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 "Chancellor William P. Tolley Papers". Syracuse University Archives. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Goldberg, Carey. "William Tolley, 95, Chancellor Who Led Expansion at Syracuse". New York Times. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
| Academic offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by William Pratt Graham |
Chancellor of Syracuse University 1942–1969 |
Succeeded by John E. Corbally |