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Milton Stover Eisenhower

Milton Stover Eisenhower

Educator, public official.  Born: September 15, 1899, Abilene, Kansas.  Died: May 2, 1985, Baltimore, Maryland.

The youngest of six brothers, all of whom became famous in their own right, Milton Stover Eisenhower turned to education and became head of three major universities during a 30 year span of his life.

In May 1943, Milton was approached about becoming president of Kansas State College. He anguished over the decision and eventually agreed to accept the offer after seeking the advice of his brother, Ike. During his six year tenure as K-State president, he came to grips with many problems, but was able to affect numerous solutions. Foremost, was his ability to change the college from a technical and vocational school to a broad-based educational institution.

Under his guidance, new programs were initiated, new buildings were erected and the size of the faculty and their salaries increased. But the achievement for which Eisenhower was most proud was breaking down the system of racial segregation in Manhattan at Kansas State. By the end of the 1940s, Milton felt the need to move on. From Kansas State, he went to become president of Pennsylvania State University, a position he held for six years. He then was wooed into accepting the presidency at Johns Hopkins University, a position he held until his retirement in 1967.

In 1971 Eisenhower was asked to return for an additional year at John Hopkins at the age of 72. Although he had a score of honorary doctorates, as a student he had never advanced beyond a bachelor's degree.

Entry: Eisenhower, Milton Stover

Author: Kansas Historical Society

Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history.

Date Created: April 2010

Date Modified: December 2012

The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.