Frederick Middlebush

Frederick Middlebush (October 15, 1890 – June 8, 1971)^[1] was an American educator and thirteenth president of the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri from 1935 to 1954.^[2] His presidency was the longest term ever served at the University.^[3] His presidency included the completion of the Memorial Union and a tripling in enrollment after World War II.^[4] Middlebush Hall, on the Columbia campus, is named after him.^[3] He is buried in Columbia at the Columbia Cemetery.^[5]

Role in Segregation

Middlebush played a key role in continuing segregation on the University of Missouri campus prior to 1950. He was instrumental in working to try to deny African-American applicant Lloyd Gaines admission to Missouri's law school in the mid-1930s. Documents in the University Archives show that Middlebush and administrator Thomas Brady worked to prevent Black students from coming to the university to participate in a United Nations conference held in 1947.^[6]

References

^ Mautino, Nicole (6 February 2008). "Spirits of Mizzou - Middlebush". University Archives muarchives.missouri.edu/. Retrieved 11 May 2009.
^ Former Presidents of the University of Missouri | Office of the President | University of Missouri System
^ ^a ^b Mizzou On Canvas: A Portrait in Leadership
^ University of Missouri Leaders
^ Mautino, Nicole (2008-04-15). "Spirits of Mizzou". University Archives muarchives.missouri.edu/. Retrieved 11 May 2009.
^ Looser, Devoney (13 November 2015). "Mizzou Legacy". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved 26 June 2020.