William Joseph Martin Jr. Explained

William Joseph Martin Jr.
Office:10th President of Davidson College
Predecessor:Henry Louis Smith
Successor:Walter Lee Lingle
Birth Date:February 10, 1868
Birth Place:Columbia, Tennessee
Death Date:September 7, 1943
Death Place:Davidson, North Carolina
Education:Davidson College
University of Virginia
Johns Hopkins University
Profession:Professor
Term Start:1912
Term End:1929

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]

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.

The main chemistry building at Davidson is named in his honor.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Martin, William Joseph, Jr. – Davidson College Archives & Special Collections. Davidson College. 2017-07-02.
  2. Web site: Martin, William Joseph, Jr.. NCpedia. 2017-07-02.
  3. Web site: Trail to the Chiefs: Tour Highlights Presidential Portraits. Davidson College. 2017-07-02.