William Rainey Harper

William Rainey Harper
First President of the University of Chicago
In office 1891–1906
Succeeded by	Harry Pratt Judson
Personal details
Born	(1856-07-24)July 24, 1856[1] New Concord, Ohio, US
Died	January 10, 1906(1906-01-10) (aged 49) Chicago, Illinois, US
Spouse	Ella Paul Harper
Children	4
Alma mater	Muskingum College Yale University
Profession	Scholar and educational administrator
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William Rainey Harper (July 24, 1856 – January 10, 1906) was an American academic leader, an accomplished semiticist, and Baptist clergyman. Harper helped to establish both the University of Chicago and Bradley University and served as the first president of both institutions.