Henry Philip Tappan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 1st President of the University of Michigan | |
| In office 1852–1863 | |
| Preceded by | office abolished in 1821, previously held by John Monteith |
| Succeeded by | Erastus Otis Haven |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 18, 1805 Rhinebeck, New York, U. S. |
| Died | November 15, 1881 (aged 76) Vevey, Switzerland |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Julia Livingston |
| Children | John L. Tappan, Rebecca L. Tappan |
| Alma mater | Union College |
| Profession | Philosopher, University President |
Henry Philip Tappan (April 18, 1805 – November 15, 1881) was an American philosopher, educator and academic administrator. In August 1852, he assumed the newly created presidency of the restructured University of Michigan, an office established by the Constitution of the State of Michigan in 1850.[1]
A pioneer in the transformation of American university curricula, he was instrumental in fashioning the University of Michigan as a prototype for future universities across the United States, and has been called the "John the Baptist of the age of the American university."[2] However, his academic career was ultimately cut short due to his impartial stance on religion and personality clashes with the university regents and certain faculty members, leading him to spend the remainder of his life in self-imposed exile in Europe.
- ^ Until Tappan was elected president, the university was directly managed by the appointive Board of Regents, with a rotating group of professors to carry out the day-to-day administration duties.(Bentley Historical Library 2004)
- ^ Wilbee 1967 cited in Marsden 1994, p. 103
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