Finding Aid
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Papers of Josiah L. Pickard Access and Restrictions: This collection is open for research. Digital Surrogates: Except where indicated, this document describes but does not reproduce the actual text, images and objects which make up this collection. Materials are available only in the Special Collections Department. Copyright: Please read The University of Iowa Libraries' statement on Property Rights, Copyright Law, and Permissions to Use Unpublished Materials. Use of Collections: The University of Iowa Libraries supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted by their fragile condition or by contractual agreement with donors, and it may not be possible at all times to provide appropriate machinery for reading, viewing or accessing non-paper-based materials. Please read our Use of Manuscripts Statement. Acquisition and Processing Information: These papers were transferred to the University Archives from the Office of the President; date unknown. Guide posted to the Internet December 2006. Photographs: |
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Biographical Note
Josiah L. Pickard served as the sixth president of the State University of Iowa, from 1878 to 1887.
A leading educator and administrator, Pickard assumed the presidency after heading the public school system in Chicago. He also was a devoted student of history, serving as president of the State Historical Society of Iowa for nearly 20 years.
Pickard, a native of Maine, graduated from Bowdoin College in 1844 and served as principal of Platteville (Wisconsin) Academy until 1860. That year, he was selected Wisconsin’s state superintendent of public instruction, a position he held until 1864, at which time he began a 13-year stint as Chicago’s superintendent of schools.
During Pickard’s presidency at Iowa, two departments – later to become colleges – were added: dental and pharmaceutical. Course offerings in the remaining four departments were expanded, and he advocated raising teaching standards and academic requirements. From 1881 until 1900 he was president of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and retired from active teaching in 1889.
Pickard was born in Rowley, Massachusetts, on March 17, 1824. He died on March 29, 1914, at age 90.
[D. McCartney; 12/2006]
Related Materials
Catalogs of the University, 1878-1887 (RG 01.08)
Records of the Board of Trustees and Board of Regents, 1847-1909 (RG 04.01)
Manuscript File Collection (RG 01.01.01)
Box Contents List
Publications; 0.25 ft.
