A. D. White

A. D. White was a prominent American historian and educator, best known as the first president of Cornell University, serving from its founding in 1865. He believed in higher education's role in broadening knowledge, fostering democracy, and advancing society. White emphasized interdisciplinary learning and the importance of academic freedom. His leadership helped shape Cornell into a leading institution of research and education. Beyond his administrative role, he published scholarly works on history and philosophy, advocating for education as a means of personal and societal growth.