James Burrill Angell

Who was James Burrill Angell?

James Burrill Angell was an American educator, academic administrator, and diplomat. He is best known for being the longest-serving president of the University of Michigan. Under his leadership Michigan gained prominence as an elite public university. Today, he is often cited by Michigan administrators for providing the vision of Michigan as a university that should provide "an uncommon education for the common man."

Angell was a graduate of and professor of languages at Brown University, editor of The Providence Journal, and president of the University of Vermont. He served as U.S. Minister to China and to Turkey. Several of his descendants also became well-known educators and academics.