Samuel Reid Spencer Jr.

Samuel Reid Spencer Jr. (June 6, 1919 – October 16, 2013) was an American academic administrator who served as the 14th president of Davidson College from 1968 to 1983.

Samuel Reid Spencer Jr.
14th President of Davidson College
In office
1968–1983
Preceded byDavid Grier Martin
Succeeded byJohn Kuykendall
Personal details
BornJune 6, 1919
Rock Hill, South Carolina, U.S.
DiedOctober 16, 2013 (aged 94)
Davidson, North Carolina, U.S.
ChildrenClayton Spencer
EducationDavidson College (BA)
Harvard University (PhD)
Military service
Branch/service United States Army
Battles/warsWorld War II

Early life and education

Originally from South Carolina, Spencer graduated from Davidson in 1940, then serving in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he earned a PhD from Harvard University.[1]

Career

Afterward, Spencer returned to his alma mater to serve as an assistant to then-president John Rood Cunningham, while also becoming a professor of history. Spencer left Davidson to become president of Mary Baldwin College, returning as president in 1968.[2]

As president, Spencer led Davidson's successful attempt to become a co-educational institution. He also focused on minority student recruitment and retention and expanded the endowment. Spencer was also appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the Board of Foreign Scholarships, which oversees the Fulbright Program.[3]

After leaving Davidson, Spencer became the president of the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges.

References
  1. "Samuel Reid Spencer Jr.'s Obituary on The Natick Bulletin & Tab". The Natick Bulletin & Tab. Retrieved 2017-07-11.
  2. "Spencer, Samuel Reid, Jr. – Davidson College Archives & Special Collections". libraries.davidson.edu. Retrieved 2017-07-11.
  3. "College Family Mourns Passing of President Emeritus Samuel R. Spencer Jr., a Davidson Leader for 80 Years". www.davidson.edu. Retrieved 2017-07-11.
Academic offices
Preceded by
David Grier Martin		 President of Davidson College
1968–1983		 Succeeded by
John Kuykendall


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