J. Garber Drushal, Ph.D., LL.D., L.H.D. (1967-1977)
J. Garber Drushal, vice president for academic affairs and chair of academic committees, was appointed acting president in 1967, following the death of Howard Lowry, and in April of 1968, was named The College of Wooster’s seventh president. Drushal was successful in handling campus unrest arising from protests against the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. He led the College’s efforts to have a more diverse faculty and student body. In 1969, the Ohio Synod voted to end its formal relationship with Wooster resulting in seniors no longer being required to attend chapel, and a year later, the exemption was expanded to include the entire student population. Campus council also began in 1969, combining the voices of students, faculty, and staff to make recommendations to the administration. Memorial Chapel was replaced with McGaw Chapel in 1971. Also during Drushal’s term, Armington Physical Education Center was completed in 1968, Timken Gymnasium in 1973, and Freedlander Theatre in 1975.