Boothe Davis

Boothe C. Davis was a man committed to improving the community that was his home. When he was unanimously elected as Alfred University’s fourth President, he had every intention of serving for only five years. However, upon retiring in 1933, he had completed thirty-eight years of service. Under his direction, Alfred University separated from Alfred Academy and expanded to twenty buildings. Its doors remained open during World War I and classes continued even as military training exercises were completed on its fields. The University maintained its reputation as an inherently liberal and democratic college, and fiercely encouraged the strength of community and the significance of individual rights.