Lowell, Abbott Lawrence (1856-1943), president of Harvard University from 1909 to 1933, had great influence on college education through his writings, speeches, and leadership. He believed that students should major in one field of study but should also broaden their knowledge by taking courses in other fields. Lowell also advocated for international cooperation in sciences and access to college courses for local schoolteachers. He wrote several books on higher education and political science.
Lowell was born in Boston on Dec. 13, 1856, to a prominent family. He graduated cum laude (with distinction) from Harvard in 1877. Lowell earned a law degree in 1880 and practiced law for 17 years. He retired from law and became a government lecturer at Harvard. He was part of a committee that helped established the four-year requirement for earning a bachelor’s degree. In 1909, Lowell was elected president of Harvard. During his 24-year tenure, he expanded the campus and more than doubled student enrollment and faculty. Lowell also made substantial reforms to the school’s housing and educational systems, including introducing a tutoring program. He was the brother of the astronomer Percival Lowell and the poet Amy Lowell. Abbott Lowell died on Jan. 6, 1943.
