Purdue University is the Indiana link in the chain of 68 land-grant colleges and universities that owe their origin to the Morrill Act signed by President Lincoln on July 2, 1862. Three years after its passage, the Indiana General Assembly took advantage of the federal grant of public lands for the maintenance of colleges. The main purpose of this college would be the teaching of agriculture and mechanic arts.

In 1869, the assembly accepted $150,000 from Lafayette civic leader John Purdue, $50,000 from Tippecanoe County, and 150 acres of land from local citizens. In appreciation, the legislators determined that the institution should be located in West Lafayette and named Purdue University.

Two years before Purdue began to function, a plan of organization of the University was worked out by Richard Owen, the first president. On September 16, 1874, classes began with six instructors and 39 students.

The superintendent of Indianapolis schools, Abraham C. Shortridge, succeeded to the presidency and awarded Purdue’s first degree in June 1875. Under the leadership of Emerson E. White (1876–83), the enrollment increased to 350, but President White’s anti-fraternity stand led to his resignation. The Fort Wayne superintendent of schools, James Henry Smart, assumed the office until the turn of the century.

Under Winthrop E. Stone, president from 1900 to 1921, Purdue’s scholarship standards were raised, courses expanded, and the equipment improved. His progressive 22-year administration was ended by his tragic death in the Canadian Rockies in 1921.

Edward C. Elliott gave up the chancellorship of the University of Montana to become Purdue’s next head administrator and served until his retirement in 1945.

In January 1946, Frederick L. Hovde became Purdue’s seventh president. After 25 years of service, President Hovde retired in 1971.

Arthur G. Hansen became president in 1971 and retired in 1982. He was formerly president of Georgia Institute of Technology.

Steven C. Beering served as Purdue’s ninth president from July 1983 until he relinquished the office in August 2000. Prior to his appointment, he was dean of the Indiana University School of Medicine and director of the Medical Center.

Martin C. Jischke took office as the tenth president in August 2000 and served until June 2007. Before coming to Purdue, he was president of Iowa State University.

France A. Córdova became Purdue’s eleventh president in July 2007. She was formerly chancellor of the University of California, Riverside.