Photograph of John L. Buchanan

Photograph of John L. Buchanan

Born June 19, 1831, 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 (now Longwood College). Served as state superintendent of public instruction 1885?89 (hence was ex officio member of VAMC Board of Visitors). Began teaching at Randolph-Macon College in 1889, later becoming president. Resigned the presidency there in 1894 to assume presidency of University of Arkansas, where he remained until retiring in 1902. Died Jan. 19, 1922, in Rich Valley, Virginia, at age 90.

Source: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Historical Data Book: Centennial Edition, ed.Jenkins Mikell Robertson, Bulletin of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, vol. 65, no. 4, 68.

Historical Photograph Collection, Special Collections and University Archives

buchanan

[image name], Historical Photograph Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.