President Lowry

Dr. Howard Foster Lowry became the sixth president of The College of Wooster in 1944, a role he held for 23 years until his untimely passing in 1967.

Lowry is probably best known for bringing Independent Study (I.S.) to Wooster. I.S. was launched in 1945, and in 1950, became mandatory for all members of the graduating class, “because every member of the student body is included in the best academic invitation the College has to give,” according to Lowry. He summarized the I.S. program’s challenge by saying, “It invites all students to come to their best in terms of their own talents.”

He was dedicated to growing Wooster’s diversity and international representation on campus. In 1963, he helped with the formation of Wooster’s NAACP chapter on campus.

Wooster launched its varsity women’s basketball and field hockey teams in 1965

During his tenure, the College constructed 15 new buildings, including: Andrews Library which opened in 1962, Andrews Hall (1954), Compton Hall (1955), Wagner Hall (1957), Wooster Inn (1959), Service Building (1960), Holden Addition (1961), Westminster Church House (1965), Armington Hall (1966), Bissman Hall (1966), Stevenson Hall (1966), Wishart (1966), Kittredge Hall (1966), and the renovation of five more.

Prior to becoming president, he was a professor of English literature at Princeton and later a professor and head of the English department at Wooster.

Lowry received his B.A. from Wooster and a Ph.D. from Princeton University. In addition, he was awarded honorary degrees by 16 colleges and universities.