John Lee Buchanan

Who was John Lee Buchanan?

John Lee Buchanan was the second president of Virginia Tech. Buchanan was born in Rich Valley, Smyth County, Virginia. Received an A.B. in 1856 and an M.A. in 1860, both from Emory and Henry College. Latin chair in 1879 at Vanderbilt University and then president of Emory and Henry College before becoming VAMC president at age 48. After being removed from VAMC presidency for the second time in 1881, began teaching at Martha Washington College in Abingdon, Virginia, later becoming president there. In 1884 served on a state committee that established the State Normal Female School in Farmville. Served as state superintendent of public instruction 1885‑89. Began teaching at Randolph-Macon College in 1889, later becoming president. Resigned the presidency there in 1894 to assume presidency of what was then Arkansas Industrial University before he renamed it to University of Arkansas and where he remained until retiring in 1902. Died Jan. 19, 1922, in Rich Valley, Virginia, at age 90.