W. Coleman Nevils | |
|---|---|
 Nevils in 1934 | |
| 12th President of the University of Scranton | |
| In office 1942–1947 | |
| Preceded by | Frank J. O'Hara |
| Succeeded by | J. Eugene Gallery |
| 39th President of Georgetown University | |
| In office 1928–1935 | |
| Preceded by | Charles W. Lyons |
| Succeeded by | Arthur A. O'Leary |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 29, 1878 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Died | October 12, 1955 (aged 77) New York City, U.S. |
| Resting place | Jesuit Community Cemetery |
| Alma mater | |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1911 |
William Coleman Nevils SJ (May 29, 1878 – October 12, 1955) was an American Catholic priest and Jesuit educator who became the head of numerous Jesuit institutions throughout the northeastern United States, including Georgetown University and the University of Scranton. Born in Philadelphia, he was educated at Saint Joseph's College, before entering the Society of Jesus. While studying for the priesthood, he taught at Boston College and the Loyola School. After receiving his doctorate from Woodstock College, he held professorships at St. Andrew-on-Hudson and the College of the Holy Cross, before transferring to Georgetown University, where he became the dean of Georgetown College, the academic vice president, and the regent of the School of Foreign Service. He then left Georgetown to become the dean of the Shadowbrook Jesuit House of Studies.
In 1928, Nevils was made the president of Georgetown University. He became active in elite circles in Washington, D.C., and elevated the prominence of the university in diplomatic and political circles. He also made substantial progress on a highly ambitious plan to transform the campus. After completing several Collegiate Gothic buildings, work on the Greater Georgetown plan stalled because of the Great Depression. In 1935, he left Georgetown and returned to New York City, where he became the president of Regis High School and the Loyola School, as well as pastor of the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola.
Though near retirement, Nevils became the first Jesuit president of the University of Scranton in 1942, after the Lasallian Brothers departed the school. He led the university through a change in administration, and the decline of enrollment due to World War II. During his presidency, the curriculum was improved, and Scranton Preparatory School was founded. After the end of the war, Nevils also saw the school through a surge in enrollment due to the G.I. Bill.
Nevils returned to New York City in 1947, and became the head of America magazine, and the superior of Campion House, the residence for the Jesuit editors of the publication. He also continued to teach at Regis and Loyola and minister at St. Ignatius Church, until his death in 1955.