The Making of University of Michigan History

Pres. James B. Angell retires...

In February of 1909, eighty year old President James B. Angell submitted his resignation to the Regents, to take effect in June. Angell's 38 year tenure was the longest of any UM president. A charismatic, persuasive and paternal figure, he was known to generations of students as "Prexy Angell." Enrollment had grown from 1100 to over 5000, too large for a successor to impress a personal stamp on the campus in the way Angell had. The Regents granted Angell the title of emeritus president, a $4000 pension and permission to keep living in the President's House.

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Photo Source: University of Michigan faculty and staff portrait collection, Box 4.