Charles Van Hise, President, 1903-1918

Van Hise was a member of the class of 1879. He was the first person to receive a Ph.D. degree (in geology) from the university. He entered the faculty of the university immediately after graduating, and was a professor in several disciplines.

He was selected by the Board of Regents to become the president of the University of Wisconsin on April 21, 1903. Van Hise was helped in his selection by the support of Gov. Robert La Follette, another 1879 grad. His leadership as president was responsible for tremendous growth and prosperity. In 1904 he declared that "the beneficent influence of the university (be) available to every home in the state," later articulated as the "Wisconsin Idea." which has been defined as “the boundaries of the university are the boundaries of the state.” He died in 1918.

The tallest building on campus is named after Van Hise. (Slated to be removed in the latest master plan)