Name LeBaron Briggs | ||
Born December 11, 1855 Salem, Massachusetts Occupation Educator, university president Died 1934, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Books College life, Girls and Education, The Sphinx Garrulous: Charades, Routine and Ideals ‑ Scholar, Men - Women - and Colle | ||
LeBaron Russell Briggs (December 11, 1855 - 1934) was an American educator. He was appointed the first Dean of Men at Harvard College, where he also served as dean of the faculty. He was also president of Radcliffe College and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, among other offices.
His appointment as Dean of Men was the first "student personnel" appointment, which later became the catalyst for the Student Affairs field in higher education. Briggs was responsible for advising students academically, and on personal issues. "His fairness in dealing with the Faculty and students alike, his patience in dealing with erring undergraduates, and his always kindly humor endeared him to everyone," wrote George Henry Chase. Briggs Hall at Harvard's Cabot House is named for him.
Briggs was also a trustee of Middlesex School, where the LeBaron Briggs House dormitory is named for him. His nautical namesake, the liberty ship LeBaron Russell Briggs, was scuttled with its cargo of nerve gas on August 18, 1970, as the last installment of a project in which the United States disposed of much of its stockpile by dumping it at sea.