Jack B. Critchfield (1969-1978)
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Description
In 1968, after a summer-long search, Jack Critchfield was selected to succeed Hugh McKean as president of Rollins College. At the time, Critchfield was associate provost at the University of Pittsburgh, with degrees from Slippery Rock State University and the University of Pittsburgh. Despite lacking experience in college presidencies or fundraising, Critchfield was chosen for his intelligence, charisma, and youthful energy – he became President at the young age of 36.
One of Critchfield’s early initiatives was to reform college governance. He led efforts to establish a college senate, headed by faculty officers, and created the role of Provost. These changes shifted academic authority from the president to the faculty and marked a move toward a more formal governance model.
With academic responsibilities delegated, Critchfield focused on fundraising. He established the college’s first Development Office and he himself excelled at building relationships with local business leaders to secure valuable support for the college. His most notable achievement was strengthening ties with the Alfond family, whose financial contributions led to the creation of the Alfond Athletic Scholarship and the construction of the college’s first swimming facility, the Alfond Pool.
In 1977 he announced he would be leaving the college to become CEO of Florida Power Company. The 1977–78 yearbook, The Tomokan, was dedicated to him in appreciation of his service.
First Year of Presidency
1969
Recommended Citation
Rollins College Archives and Special Collections, "Jack B. Critchfield (1969-1978)" (1969). Rollins Presidents. 14.
https://scholarship.rollins.edu/presidents/14
