William Pearson Tolley

Term of Office: September 1942 – September 1969
Inauguration Date: 14 November 1942

Syracuse University’s seventh Chancellor, William Pearson Tolley, was the second alumnus to hold its highest office. The University experienced two significant periods of change during the early part of his administration — World War II and the post-war enrollment growth of the “GI Bulge.” He was among a select group of college and university administrators who developed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill. Both periods transformed the campus and established the University’s commitment to veterans and military-connected students. Tolley’s tenure also included significant additions to academic offerings, the establishment of University College, a sizable growth of the endowment, and campus expansion that included construction of the Women’s Building, Ernest I. White Hall, Manley Field House, and several dormitories. The innovations of Tolley’s administration established Syracuse University as a major research institution. His long tenure meant Tolley also witnessed the impact of larger cultural changes on the University environment, many of which would define the administration of his successor. Tolley retired from Syracuse University in 1969 after 27 years of service. Additional information and materials related to Tolley and his tenure as chancellor are available in the Archives’ William P. Tolley Papers and Chancellor William P. Tolley Records.