Charles Frederick Wishart, D.D., LL.D., Litt.D., L.H.D. (1919-1944)
Rev. Charles “Prexy” Wishart was inaugurated December 9, 1919, the start of what would become the longest tenure in The College of Wooster’s presidential history. Early in his presidency, he was elected moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA, beating out well-known politician William Jennings Bryan in a bitter election over whether affiliated schools should teach the theory of evolution. During his 25 years at the College, Wishart’s “luminous spirit” helped guide the way through troubling times of the Great Depression and into World War II, and his accomplishments were impressive and wide-ranging. A number of student residences were constructed, including Babcock Hall and Douglass Hall, as were Galpin Hall and Hygeia Hall, and faculty increased by one-third to meet the demands of a growing student population. New degrees in music were conferred, academic programs expanded greatly, the Phi Beta Kappa chapter was formalized, a 24/7 student health service was instituted, the marching band wore kilts for the first time, and an alumni secretary and a news bureau also were established.