John Silber

John Silber
Silber in 1977
Chancellor of Boston University
In office
1996–2002
7th President of Boston University
In office
1971–1996
Preceded byCalvin B. T. Lee (Acting)
Succeeded byJon Westling
Personal details
Born
John Robert Silber

(1926-08-15)August 15, 1926
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
DiedSeptember 27, 2012(2012-09-27) (aged 86)
Brookline, Massachusetts, U.S.
SpouseKathryn Underwood
Children8
EducationTrinity University (BA)
Yale University (PhD)

John Robert Silber (August 15, 1926 – September 27, 2012) was an American academician and candidate for public office. From 1971 to 1996, he was President of Boston University (BU) and, from 1996 to 2002, Chancellor. From 2002 to 2003, he again served as President (Ad Interim); and, from 2003 until his death, he held the title of President Emeritus.[1]

In 1990, he won the Democratic gubernatorial primary to become one of two major-party candidates for governor of Massachusetts in the general election of 1990. He lost that election to the Republican William Weld, who won by 38,000 votes.[2]

After receiving his PhD from Yale, Silber became professor of philosophy and served as dean of the University of Texas's College of Arts and Sciences (1967–70). He had a liberal reputation in his days at Texas, though at Boston University he was best known as a conservative spokesman in academia.

  1. ^ McFadden, Robert D. (September 27, 2012). "John Silber, Boston University President, Dies at 86". The New York Times.
  2. ^ Weld Beats Silber In Tight Governor's Race | News | The Harvard Crimson