The Wheelock Succession

THE ELECTION OF DR. NICHOLS marked a departure from tradition. No President of the College (save John Wheelock, who was appointed by his father) had ever come other than from the ranks of the clergy. President Nichols was a brilliant physicist, who had served for five years on the Dartmouth faculty but who, at the time of his election, was Professor of Experimental Physics at Columbia University. He was best known for his work on light pressure.

The College continued its upward course during his administration without special incident. The endowment was considerably increased, while new buildings—the Gymnasium, Parkhurst and Robinson Halls—were erected. Perhaps the most important event was the founding of the Dartmouth Outing Club, of large significance both at Dartmouth and elsewhere. The Alumni Council was also established during this period. President Nichols resigned in 1916 once more to take up the task of scientific research.

X. ERNEST FOX NICHOLS, 1869-1924 Kansas Agricultural College, 1888President, 1909-1916