Hughes, Raymond M. (Raymond Mollyneaux), 1873-1958

Raymond Mollyneaux Hughes graduated from Miami (Ohio) University (1893), received an M.S. (1897) in chemistry from Ohio State University and an honorary doctorate (1936) from Iowa State College (University). He served in numerous positions at Miami, including professor of physics and chemistry (1898-1904); Dean of the College of Liberal Arts (1908-1911); and was named President (1911-1927). Hughes was named as President of Iowa State College (University) in 1927 and served until his retirement in 1936. During his time at Iowa State, Hughes focused on relationships with sister instititions in Iowa, broadened research, established the Statistical Laboratory, and instituted a student counseling service.

Raymond Mollyneaux Hughes was born in Atlantic, Iowa on January 14, 1873. He received an A.B. degree from Miami University in 1893 and an M.S. from Ohio State University in 1897. Hughes worked as a Science teacher at Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Ohio from 1893 to 1895. From 1894 to 1904, he was a Professor of Physics and Chemistry at Miami University. He worked in Miami's Chemistry Department from 1904 to 1913 and served as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts from 1908 to 1911. On July 1, 1911, Hughes was appointed acting President of Miami and served as Miami University President from 1913 to 1927. During his tenure he doubled the University lands; promoted intramural sports; introduced intelligence testing for students, and long-range campus planning; and continued his predecessor Guy Potter Benton's building. In 1927 Hughes accepted the Presidency of Iowa State College and held the position to 1936. From 1929 to 1942, he served as Director of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary and was a member of the Special Committee on the Presbyterian Board of Pensions in 1941 and 1942. Hughes died on September 22, 1958.

Miami University Archives

Raymond Mollyneaux Hughes Collection