George H. Denny

Denny from the 1919 War Corolla yearbook

George Hutcheson Denny (December 3, 1870 – April 2, 1955) was an American academic and former president at both Washington and Lee University and the University of Alabama. Both a football coach and an educator, he ultimately was appointed Washington and Lee's President in 1901, and he remained in that spot until his resignation in 1912 to become President at Alabama. Denny served as President of Alabama from 1912 through 1936 and again as Interim President in 1941 and 1942. Denny oversaw a major expansion of both enrollment and the physical campus during his tenure. He died at age 84 on April 2, 1955, at Lexington, Virginia.

Early life

Denny was born on December 3, 1870, in Hanover County, Virginia to George H. and Charlotte M. Denny.^[1] He attended Hampden–Sydney College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1891 and his Master of Arts in 1892.^[1] In 1896 Denny was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Virginia.^[1] During his education at University of Virginia, he became a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.^[2]

Career

Hampden–Sydney College

After obtaining his doctorate, Denny returned to Hampden–Sydney where he was a professor of Latin and German from 1896 though 1899. He resigned to become a professor of Latin at Washington and Lee University.^[1]

During his teaching tenure at Hampden–Sydney, Denny served as the head coach of their football team for the 1896 season. For the season, he led the Tigers to home victories over Randolph–Macon and Roanoke and a loss on the road against VPI en route to a record of two wins and one loss (2–1).^[3]

Washington and Lee University

Denny started his career at Washington and Lee University in 1899 and by 1900 he was appointed as the interim President of the school.^[1] In October 1901 the University trustees appointed him as the full-time President of the university.^[4] During his tenure as president, Denny oversaw increased enrollment at Washington and Lee, improved facilities and overall finances.^[5] He remained in the position of president through the fall of 1911 when he resigned in order to become the 15th president of the University of Alabama.^[6]

University of Alabama

Denny started his tenure at the University of Alabama in January 1912.^[7] During his tenure as University President, Denny oversaw a significant increase in enrollment and construction on-campus.^[7] Both Denny Chimes and Bryant–Denny Stadium were named in his honor.^[8][9] He retired as President in 1936, but was later reappointed as interim president from 1941 to 1942.^[10]

Later life

After he completed his term as Interim President, Denny retired to Lexington, Virginia in 1943.^[7] Denny died on April 2, 1955, at a hospital in Lexington as a result of complications suffered after the amputation of his left leg.^[7]

References

General

• Alumni Bulletin of the University of Virginia. Charlottesville, Virginia: University of Virginia Press. August 1911. pp. 507–511. Retrieved December 1, 2012.

Specific

1. Alumni Bulletin, p. 507
2. "History of Iota Iota Chapter". bamasig.org. Iota Iota Chapter at University of Alabama, Sigma Chi Fraternity. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
3. The Kaleidoscope. Internet Archive. 1897. pp. 138–139. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
4. "Washington-Lee President". The New York Times. October 2, 1902. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
5. "George Hutcheson Denny". Washington and Lee University. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
6. Alumni Bulletin, p. 509
7. "Dr. Denny to be buried Monday in Lexington, Va.". The Tuscaloosa News (Google News). April 3, 1955. p. 1. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
8. "Denny Chimes". The University of Alabama. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
9. "Facilities: Bryant–Denny Stadium". RollTide.com. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
10. "George H. Denny 1911–1936, 1941–1942". The Tuscaloosa News. May 3, 2006. Retrieved December 1, 2012.