Henry Noble MacCracken

Henry Noble MacCracken (November 19, 1880 – May 7, 1970) was an American academic administrator who was the fifth president of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, serving from 1915 to 1946 as the first secular president of the college.[1] MacCracken's term as president of Vassar College is the longest in the college's history.

Henry Noble MacCracken
MacCracken circa 1915
5th President of Vassar College
In office
1915–1946
Preceded byJames Monroe Taylor
Succeeded bySarah Gibson Blanding
Personal details
Born(1880-11-19)November 19, 1880
Toledo, Ohio, United States
DiedMay 7, 1970(1970-05-07) (aged 89)
Poughkeepsie, New York, United States
Spouse(s)
Marjorie Dodd
​
(m. 1907)​
EducationNew York University (English/M.A., 1900/1904)
Harvard University (M.A./Ph.D., 1905/1907)

Early life

MacCracken was born in Toledo, Ohio in November 19, 1880, to Henry Mitchell MacCracken. Henry's brother was John Henry MacCracken, president (1915–26) of Lafayette College.[1] In 1900, MacCracken earned an English degree from New York University (NYU). After graduation, he joined the faculty of Syrian Protestant College in Beirut for three years before coming back to NYU for graduate study. After completing a master's degree in English, he earned a Ph.D. from Harvard University.

On June 12, 1907, MacCracken married Marjorie Dodd.[2] His son, Calvin Dodd MacCracken, was a noted inventor.

Career

MacCracken was president of Vassar from 1915 to 1946.[2] A proponent of women's suffrage and liberal political views in general, MacCracken was fired for holding such beliefs in 1918. However, three trustees resigned and students protested, so MacCracken was returned to his position.[3]

In the 1920s, MacCracken was involved in the founding of Sarah Lawrence College, which was initially a women's junior college affiliated with Vassar. A residence hall named after MacCracken was completed in 1930. He was on the board of trustees of the college until its affiliation with Vassar was severed in 1935.[4] On June 12, 1907, MacCracken married Marjorie Dodd.[2] His son, Calvin Dodd MacCracken, was a noted inventor.

Later life

MacCracken died on May 7, 1970, at his home, 87 New Hackensack Road, in Poughkeepsie, New York.[1] His wife, Marjorie Dodd MacCracken died in 1974.

References
  1. "Dr. Henry Noble MacCracken, ex‐Vassar president, 89, dies". New York Times. May 8, 1970.
  2. "Vassar Encyclopedia: Henry Noble MacCracken". Vassar College. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  3. "MacCracken, Henry Noble (1915 - 1946) - Archives & Special Collections Library - Vassar College". specialcollections.vassar.edu. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  4. "The History of Sarah Lawrence College". Sarah Lawrence College. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
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