William D. Gibbs

Who is William D. Gibbs?

William D. Gibbs was the second president, in 1907-1912, of the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, in Durham, New Hampshire, United States, which in 1923 became the University of New Hampshire. During his presidency student numbers tripled to 315, and the number of college buildings reached 15. He believed that students' time should be divided equally between cultural studies, pure science, and vocational studies.

He was born in Winchester, Illinois.

In 1912 there was a student strike 2-6 May after Gibbs suspended a student, William H. L. Brackett, for setting off a false fire alarm. The suspension was overturned by the Board of Trustees. Gibbs resigned later that year, stating in his 1 July letter of resignation that "Business opportunities which particularly appeal to me have influenced me to my decision, although I regret to sever associations which have brought to me much pleasure."