Henry Philip Tappan
Henry Philip Tappan (April 18, 1805 – November 15, 1881) was an American philosopher, educator and academic administrator. He is officially considered the first president of the University of Michigan.
Henry Philip Tappan | |
|---|---|
| 1st President of the University of Michigan | |
| In office 1852–1863 | |
| Preceded by | office abolished in 1821, previously held by John Monteith |
| Succeeded by | Erastus Otis Haven |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 18, 1805 Rhinebeck, New York, U. S. |
| Died | November 15, 1881 (aged 76) Vevey, Switzerland |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Julia Livingston |
| Children | John L. Tappan, Rebecca L. Tappan |
A pioneer in the transformation of American university curricula, he was instrumental in fashioning the University of Michigan as a prototype for American research universities, and has been called the "John the Baptist of the age of the American university." His academic career was ultimately cut short by personality clashes with the university's Board of Regents, and he finished his life in self-imposed exile in Europe. He has been described as disruptive to progress the education for agriculture, despite state efforts to ail the issue. He is considered by many historical scholars to be someone of elitist interests, rather than the betterment of the statue economy.