Simon Strousse Baker

Simon Strousse Baker (July 11, 1866 – October 10, 1932) was the 6th president of Washington & Jefferson College.[1]

For other people named Simon Baker, see Simon Baker (disambiguation).
Simon Strousse Baker
Sixth President of Washington & Jefferson College
In office
March 29, 1922 – May 13, 1931
Preceded bySamuel Charles Black
Succeeded byRalph Cooper Hutchinson
Personal details
BornJuly 11, 1866
Amwell Township, Pennsylvania
DiedOctober 10, 1932(1932-10-10) (aged 66)
Washington, Pennsylvania
Alma materWashington & Jefferson College
University of Pittsburgh

Baker, the great-great-grandson of Dr. Thaddeus Dod, the founder of Washington Academy, was born in Amwell Township, Pennsylvania on July 11, 1866.[1] In 1892, he graduated from Washington & Jefferson College, where he played football and was a member of Phi Delta Theta.[1][2][3] He earned a master's degree from W&J in 1912 and a Doctor of Laws degree from University of Pittsburgh in 1922.[1] He enjoyed playing golf, taking long walks, and reading Greek, Roman and Early American history.[2] He frequented "many a smart Pittsburgh club" and often took his wife to opera or theatre shows in Pittsburgh.[2]

He worked for 25 years as an associate superintendent of Pittsburgh's schools. Baker served as acting president of Washington & Jefferson following the death of Dr. Black, and he was elected president in his own right on January 26, 1922.[1] He was inaugurated on March 29, 1922.[1] During his tenure, the college physical plant of the college underwent extensive renovation and modernization.[1] Modern business methods were adopted and the endowment grew considerably.[1] Also, the college experienced advances in academics.[1]

He was sympathetic and well liked by the college's trustees and by "many a townsman."[2] However, the student body felt that Baker was "autocratic" and held an "unfriendly attitude toward the student body as individuals."[1] Specifically, students objected to his policies regarding campus garb and athletics.[4] Baker defended himself, saying that the perceived ill-will towards students was unintentional and a misunderstanding.[1] Nonetheless, the student body held a strike and general walkout on March 18, 1931.[1]

Baker had hoped to complete his plans to build a Moffat Memorial building, a chemistry building, and a stadium before retiring.[1] But, in light of the strike, he resigned on April 23, 1931, for health reasons and for "the good of the College."[1] Baker had been in ill health since undergoing a serious operation in 1930.[2] His health and temperament never recovered from the death of his only son, Lieut. Edward David Baker, an aviator who was shot down in France in 1918.[2] The trustees accepted his resignation on May 13, 1931.[1]

He committed suicide on October 10, 1932.[1][5]

References
  1. "Simon Strousse Baker (1922–1931)". U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives. Washington & Jefferson College. 2003-09-04.
  2. "Strike Won". Time Magazine. Time Inc. 1931-05-25.
  3. Navarro Abad, Jay-Raymond (2002). "Prominent Alumni by Chapter". Prominent Alumni of Phi Delta Theta. Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2011-06-09.
  4. "W. & J.'s Hutchison". Time Magazine. Time Inc. 1932-04-11. Archived from the original on October 27, 2010.
  5. "S.S. BAKER A SUICIDE FROM PISTOL SHOT; Missing Ex-President of W. & J. Killed Himself in a Field Near the College. SCENES OF HAPPIER TIMES Seized by Melancholy, He Had Failed to Return From Stroll Near His Pittsburgh Home". The New York Times. 1932-10-12.
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