Thaddeus Seymour (1978-1990)

Thaddeus Seymour (1978-1990)

Description

Thaddeus Seymour (1928-2019) served as the twelfth president of Rollins College from 1978 to 1990, leaving an indelible mark on the institution through his visionary leadership, commitment to liberal arts education, and deep engagement with the Winter Park community.

Born on June 29, 1928, in New York City, Seymour was the son of Whitney North Seymour, a prominent attorney and president of the American Bar Association. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Princeton University and the University of California, Berkeley, before earning his master’s and Ph.D. in 18th-century English literature from the University of North Carolina. His academic career began at Dartmouth College, where he taught English and later became Dean of the College. In 1969, he assumed the presidency of Wabash College in Indiana, a role he held for nine years before coming to Rollins.

At Rollins, Seymour quickly set a bold vision for the college’s future. He launched his presidency with a goal for the 1985 Centennial: “To know ourselves and be known by others as the finest small college in the Southeast, standing among the finest small colleges in the country.” To achieve this, he emphasized a return to the college’s liberal arts roots, strengthened academic programs, and increased faculty salaries.

Under his leadership, Rollins introduced a major in classics, launched the Master of Liberal Studies program at the Hamilton Holt School, and secured AACSB accreditation for the Crummer Graduate School of Business. Seymour was also a master fundraiser. He led efforts that resulted in the construction of the Olin Library and the Cornell Social Sciences Building, significantly enhancing the college’s infrastructure.

His presidency was marked by campus engagement, especially with the student body. He reinstated Fox Day, a beloved campus holiday, and led the college’s Centennial Celebration in 1985, which included a community portrait, fireworks, and national recognition on Good Morning America. As a fierce advocate for the arts and creative expression, Seymour even defended students’ right to perform the controversial play Equus play – he appeared in court to support them, demonstrating his commitment to academic freedom. Known for his storytelling and sleight-of-hand tricks, “Thad” as he became known, brought a sense of fun and humanity to the role.

Beyond campus, Seymour and his wife Polly became pillars of the Winter Park community. They were actively involved in organizations such as the Winter Park Public Library and Habitat for Humanity. Their civic contributions earned them the Winter Park Citizens of the Year award in 1997.

After stepping down in 1990, Seymour joined the Rollins English Department, returning to his roots as a teacher. He received an honorary degree from Rollins and was also awarded honorary doctorates from Wilkes College, Butler University, and Indiana State University.

Thaddeus Seymour passed away in 2019 at the age of 91, but his legacy endures. He is remembered not only as a transformative college president but also as a beloved teacher, mentor, and community leader whose life embodied the values of service, scholarship, and joy.

First Year of Presidency

1978

Thaddeus Seymour (1978-1990)
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