Thomas A. Spragens
Thomas A. Spragens (born April 25, 1917 – February 11, 2006) was an American political scientist, born in Lebanon, KY. He was a figure in American higher education and served as president of Centre College in Danville, Kentucky from 1957 to 1981.
Thomas A. Spragens | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 17th President of Centre College | |
| In office November 11, 1957 – November 16, 1981 | |
| Preceded by | Walter A. Groves |
| Succeeded by | Richard L. Morrill |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 25, 1917 Lebanon, Kentucky |
| Died | February 11, 2006 (aged 88) Columbia, South Carolina |
Career
During his tenure as president, the college's enrollment and the size of its faculty nearly doubled and its endowment grew ninefold. Spragens is also credited for the Fund for the Future Campaign, which raised about $34 million. Many of the buildings that stand at Centre today were constructed during his presidency, including the Regional Arts Center (renamed the Norton Center for the Arts), Grace Doherty Library, Young Hall, and a number of dormitories. During his lifetime he was also very active in the community of Danville and the commonwealth, as well as in civil rights issues, Democratic Party politics, and the Presbyterian Church.
Death
Spragens died February 11, 2006 in Columbia, South Carolina at age 88.
References
External links
- Centre remembers Thomas A. Spragens
- Thomas Spragens, Centre 'giant,' dies
- Who Speaks for the Negro Vanderbilt documentary website
| Preceded by Walter A. Groves |
President of Centre College 1957 – 1981 |
Succeeded by Richard L. Morrill |