Skip to main content
Denison University Home
  • About Denison +
  • Academics +
  • Admission & Aid +
  • Campus Life +
  • Career Exploration +
  • News & Events +
  • Arts
  • Athletics & Recreation
  • Alumni
  • Parents
  • Title IX / Non-Discrimination
Prefer browsing? Check out the A-Z directory
Popular
  • Doane Renovation
  • Employment
  • Make a Payment
  • Academic Calendar
  • MyDenison
  • Fast Facts
Prefer browsing? Check out the A-Z Directory
Popular
  • Doane Renovation
  • Employment
  • Make a Payment
  • Academic Calendar
  • MyDenison
  • Fast Facts
Results

No results match your search.

Try being less specific, using different keywords, or checking your spelling.

About Denison

  • Explore Granville & Columbus
  • Fast Facts
  • Our History
  • President's Office
  • Sustainability
Academics

Denison’s purpose is to inspire and educate its students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents and active citizens of a democratic society.

  • Majors
  • Courses
  • Academic Calendar
  • Library
  • Center for Global Programs
  • Study Abroad
Admission & Aid

We are thrilled that you are considering Denison during your college search, and we look forward to getting to know more about you.

  • Apply for Admission
  • Apply for Financial Aid
  • Visit Campus
  • Virtual Tour
  • Request Information
  • Meet the Staff
Campus Life

Our students bring diverse talents, interests, backgrounds, and experiences to campus; see how Denison helps them make this college their own.

  • Clubs & Organizations
  • Housing
  • Sustainability
  • Wellness Center
Career Exploration

  • Career Center
  • Entrepreneurship & Consulting
  • Fellowships & Research
  • Professional Development & Certificates
News & Events

Denison's latest news, stories, and upcoming events from all around the hill and beyond.

  • Events & Athletics Schedule
  • Academic Calendar
  • Press Releases
  • Big Red Athletics
  • Denison Magazine
Latest University News
Professor Margot Singer

Professor Margot Singer explores layered identities in new book

May 27, 2025
The Men's Tennis team with their trophy in front of the final scoreboard.

A dream fulfilled: Denison wins its first NCAA men’s tennis title

May 23, 2025
Photo of Matt Tanney, new associate vice president and director of athletics

Denison names Matt Tanney new associate vice president and director of athletics

May 20, 2025
Denison University Home
Map / Tour
Events
Give
Apply
  • Search
  • Menu
  1. Campus
  2. About Denison
  3. Our Administration
  4. Past Presidents

Past Presidents

A list of all Denison University presidents through the years

Navigate

About Denison



  • Fast Facts
  • Our History
    Our History

    Denison holds a storied place in American higher education.

    • Fun Times & Traditions
  • Our Administration
    Our Administration

    Denison's senior staff supports the president in administering the college's policies, finances, and governing principles.

    • Senior Staff
    • Board of Trustees
    • Past Presidents
  • Notable Alumni
  • Accreditations & Affiliations

1831-1889

John Pratt

John Pratt

1831-1837

Jonathon Going

Jonathon Going

1837-1844

Silas Bailey

Silas Bailey

1846-1852

Jeremiah Hall

Jeremiah Hall

1853-1863

Samson Talbot

Samson Talbot

1863-1873

Elisha Andrews

Elisha Andrews

1875-1879

Alfred Owen

Alfred Owen

1879-1886

Galusha Anderson

Galusha Anderson

1887-1889

1890-1950

Daniel B. Purinton

Daniel B. Purinton

1890-1901

Emory W. Hunt

Emory W. Hunt

1901-1912

Clark W. Chamberlain

Clark W. Chamberlain

1913-1925

Avery A. Shaw

Avery A. Shaw

1927-1940

Kenneth I. Brown

Kenneth I. Brown

1940-1950

1951-2013

A. Blair Knapp

A. Blair Knapp

1951-1968

Joel P. Smith

Joel P. Smith

1969-1976

Robert C. Good

Robert C. Good

1976-1984

Andrew G. De Rocco

Andrew G. De Rocco

1984-1988

Michele Tolela Myers

Michele Tolela Myers

1989-1998

Dale T. Knobel

Dale T. Knobel

1998-2013

On this page

  • 1831-1889
  • John Pratt
  • Jonathon Going
  • Silas Bailey
  • Jeremiah Hall
  • Samson Talbot
  • Elisha Andrews
  • Alfred Owen
  • Galusha Anderson
    • 1890-1950
  • Daniel B. Purinton
  • Emory W. Hunt
  • Clark W. Chamberlain
  • Avery A. Shaw
  • Kenneth I. Brown
    • 1951-2013
  • A. Blair Knapp
  • Joel P. Smith
  • Robert C. Good
  • Andrew G. De Rocco
  • Michele Tolela Myers
  • Dale T. Knobel
More From Denison
Academic Majors
Academic Majors
Living at Denison
Living at Denison
Study Abroad
Study Abroad
Career Exploration
Career Exploration

100 West College Street
Granville, Ohio 43023
1-740-587-0810

Footer menu

  • Make a Payment
  • MyDenison
  • Title IX / Non-Discrimination
  • Library
  • Shop Denison
  • Make a Gift

Stay up to date with the latest campus news and upcoming events.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

Our Home:
Granville, OH »

  • Employment
  • Consumer Information
  • Forms & Policies
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Notice
  • Social Media Community Guidelines
  • Report a Bug
Back to top