Paul Wagner (1949-1951)

Paul Wagner (1949-1951)

Description

Following Hamilton Holt’s long and transformative tenure, Paul Wagner was appointed the ninth president of Rollins College in 1949. Young and energetic, Wagner had previously been an executive at Bell & Howell and was hailed by Collier’s magazine as a “Boy Wonder.” A firm believer in the promise of instructional technology, he aimed to make Rollins a national leader in audio-visual education. However, his vision clashed with the College’s established culture. Many faculty and students saw his approach as overly businesslike and a sharp departure from Holt’s student-centered, discussion-based model.

Early in his presidency, Wagner made several controversial decisions, including eliminating the College’s football program, which drew strong campus opposition. Tensions peaked in 1951 when, facing a projected deficit, Wagner—backed by the Board of Trustees—terminated 28 faculty members, including 19 full-time professors. The mass firings triggered a wave of protests, meetings, and student marches, gaining attention in national news outlets.

The crisis deeply divided the campus, and just two years into his tenure, Wagner’s presidency ended abruptly. In May 1951, the Board of Trustees dismissed him and appointed Hugh F. McKean as the tenth president of Rollins College.

First Year of Presidency

1949

Paul Wagner (1949-1951)
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