George Edgar Vincent papers

George E. Vincent was born in Rockford, Illinois, March 21, 1864. After completion of his formal education at the University of Chicago, he was associated with the Chautauqua system in various active capacities from 1886-1915. He was honorary President of the Chautauqua from 1915-1937. He held various academic positions at the University of Chicago from 1892-1911, serving as dean of the Faculties of Art, Literature and Science from 1907-1911. He served as president of the University of Minnesota from 1911-1917, resigning this position to become President of the Rockefeller Foundation. He was with the Rockefeller Foundation from 1917-1929, when he retired. He died February 1, 1941.

Vincent’s accomplishments as president at the University of Minnesota included creation of the General Extension Division, University Senate, All-University Student Council and a formal budget for the University. He reorganized several programs including the Medical School, Law School, Graduate School, College of Education and the Agricultural Extension Division. Vincent believed research programs would give the University greater academic standing and worked to accomplish their establishment.