Simon Strousse Baker

Simon Strousse Baker (1866 - October 10, 1932) was the 6th president of Washington & Jefferson College.[1]

Simon Strousse Baker
Sixth President of Washington & Jefferson College
In office March 29, 1922 – May 13, 1931
Preceded by	Samuel Charles Black
Succeeded by	Ralph Cooper Hutchinson
Personal details
Born	July 11, 1866 Amwell Township, Pennsylvania
Died	October 10, 1932(1932-10-10) (aged 66) Washington, Pennsylvania
Alma mater	Washington & Jefferson College University of Pittsburgh

Baker, the great-great-grandson of Dr. Thaddeus Dod, the founder of Washington Academy, was born in Amwell Township, Pennsylvania on July 11, 1866.[1] In 1892, he graduated from Washington & Jefferson College, where he played football and was a member of Phi Delta Theta.[1][2][3] He earned a master's degree from W&J in 1912 and a Doctor of Laws degree from University of Pittsburgh in 1922.[1] He enjoyed playing golf, taking long walks, and reading Greek, Roman and Early American history.[2] He frequented "many a smart Pittsburgh club" and often took his wife to opera or theatre shows in Pittsburgh.[2]

He worked for 25 years as an associate superintendent of Pittsburgh's schools. Baker served as acting president of Washington & Jefferson following the death of Dr. Black, and he was elected president in his own right on January 26, 1922.[1] He was inaugurated on March 29, 1922.[1] During his tenure, the college physical plant of the college underwent extensive renovation and modernization.[1] Modern business methods were adopted and the endowment grew considerably.[1] Also, the college experienced advances in academics.[1]

He was sympathetic and well liked by the college's trustees and by "many a townsman."[2] However, the student body felt that Baker was "autocratic" and held an "unfriendly attitude toward the student body as individuals."[1] Specifically, students objected to his policies regarding campus garb and athletics.[4] Baker defended himself, saying that the perceived ill-will towards students was unintentional and a misunderstanding.[1] Nonetheless, the student body held a strike and general walkout on March 18, 1931.[1]

Baker had hoped to complete his plans to build a Moffat Memorial building, a chemistry building, and a stadium before retiring.[1] But, in light of the strike, he resigned on April 23, 1931, for health reasons and for "the good of the College."[1] Baker had been in ill health since undergoing a serious operation in 1930.[2] His health and temperament never recovered from the death of his only son, Lieut. Edward David Baker, an aviator who was shot down in France in 1918.[2] The trustees accepted his resignation on May 13, 1931.[1]

He committed suicide on October 10, 1932.[1][5]