Andrew Dickson White (American historian)

Andrew Dickson White was an influential American historian and educator, best known for co-founding Cornell University in 1865. He served as its first president and played a key role in shaping higher education in the United States. White was also an accomplished author, recognized for his detailed histories of the Middle Ages and the conflicts between science and religion. His work emphasized critical thinking and institutional education, promoting the idea that knowledge and scientific inquiry should be central to societal progress. White's contributions helped establish education as a means for societal development and intellectual advancement.