Samuel Harris (1867–1871)

Samuel Harris (1814–1899), former professor of theology at Bangor Seminary, was elected fifth President of Bowdoin College at the suggestion of his predecessor President Leonard Woods. Harris, a graduate of the class of 1833, was the first alumnus to occupy the presidency. Said to have been uncomfortable with his roles as fundraiser and disciplinarian, he resigned in 1871 and went on to teach at Yale University.

Painting credit: Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine Gift of Mrs. Mary S. Harris