Thomas Barrows

Thomas Barrows was Presdient of Lawrence University for seven years. Before becoming President, Barrows was Dean of the university for two years. Born in 1900 in San Diego, California, he was the son of another college president. Needless to say, academia ran in the family. Barrows graduated with an A.B. from the University of California, the M.A. from Columbia University, and the LL.D. from Ripon College in his young professional life. 

During Barrows' period at president for seven years, he made campus-wide developments which increased the success of the university. For example, the fraternity quadrangle was completed, pre-war enrollment increased by 10%, and relations improved with the surrounding community. Additionally, Barrows introduced a program of honors in independent study, where students were able to explore topics of personal interests. In the exploration of various independent studies, students could use collection works, including Wood's Sultry Night print. He was an avid appreciator for the arts, as he had an extensive private collection of American and European works, one of which included Grant Wood's Sultry Night print. He communicated and had a strong rapport with Wood.

Thomas Barrows resigned because of ill health in 1943 and died in 1962.

Sources:

Lawrence University Archives and Special Collections

"Thomas N. Barrows Presidential Papers, 1934-1966 | Lawrence University Archives." Thomas N. Barrows Presidential Papers, 1934-1966 | Lawrence University Archives. Accessed April 22, 2014. http://archives.lawrence.edu/?p=collections/findingaid&id=15&q=&rootcontentid=4917#id4917.