Arthur Cutts Willard

Arthur Cutts Willard
Willard, courtesy of University of Illinois Archives
9th President of the University of Illinois system
In office
1934–1946
Preceded byArthur H. Daniels
Succeeded byGeorge D. Stoddard
Personal details
Born(1878-08-12)August 12, 1878
Washington, D.C., U.S.
DiedNovember 11, 1960(1960-11-11) (aged 82)
Champaign, Illinois, U.S.
Spouse
Sarah Lamborn Willard
(m. 1907)
Alma mater

Arthur Cutts Willard (August 12, 1878 – November 11, 1960) was the ninth president of the University of Illinois and an innovator in the field of heating and ventilation. Known for being approachable, a gentleman and well-dressed; he was known and admired by many.[1] He received worldwide acclaim for his research and contribution to the heating, ventilating field; in particular for his contributions to the Holland Tunnel.[2] In addition to his contributions to heating and ventilation industry, Willard was an educator in heating and ventilation and mechanical engineering between 1906 and 1933. He taught at George Washington University and the University of Illinois. Willard was appointed president in 1934 and served until 1946.[3] Although he served as president during a difficult time for the university and the nation, he continued to have the highest expectations of his students.[3] During his time as president he obtained funding for construction and addition of many buildings on the University of Illinois campuses.[3] Willard strongly believed education needed to be more broad and focus on the social and economic problems facing the nation. At the end of service to the university, the Institute of Aviation was established at University of Illinois Willard Airport, and it was named in honor of A.C. Willard.[4]

  1. ^ Ben Lieberman, (July 1934). University of Illinois News. Record Series 39/4/1, University of Illinois Archives
  2. ^ "History - Holland Tunnel - The Port Authority of NY & NJ". The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, 2010. Web. November 22, 2010.
  3. ^ a b c Was President for 12 years 1934 to 1946. (September 12, 1960). Urbana Courier. Record Series 39/1/4. University of Illinois Archives
  4. ^ "FLYCMI.COM :: University of Illinois Willard Airport" Archived 2011-07-03 at the Wayback Machine, "University of Illinois Willard Airport", 2010. Retrieved November 8 2010.