Date: 1861

Title: Williams Helps Reorganize the College

Description: Joseph R. Williams, former M.A.C president and now a state senator, shepherded a bill through the Michigan legislature that created the State Board of Agriculture as the ruling body of the college, and assured a four-year curriculum providing for a scientific and liberal arts education. Importantly, the bill also secured the needed authority for the college president, making him an ex-officio member of the board, and "Chief Executive Officer" of the college.

From The Spirit of Michigan State, by J. Bruce McCristal