Tappan, Henry Philip, 1805-1881

First president of the University of Michigan.

First president of University of Michigan. Clergyman.

First president of University of Michigan.

Henry Philip Tappan, first president of the University of Michigan, was born at Rhinebeck on the Hudson, New York on April 18, 1805. He graduated with a B.A. degree from Union College in Schenectady in 1825, then received a divinity degree from Auburn Theological Seminary in 1827. In 1828, he was ordained a minister of the Congregational Church, but medical difficulties shortened his ministerial career allowing him time to travel. From 1832 to 1837, Tappan was professor of moral and intellectual philosophy at the University of the City of New York.

Prior to coming to the University of Michigan in 1852, Tappan lived and studied abroad, becoming acquainted with the progressive and scholarly traditions of European universities. As president, Tappan was responsible for the growth of the University, for improving the quality of faculty, and for the founding of the Detroit Observatory. Tappan also faced opposition to his leadership from the Board of Regents and in 1863, he was asked to resign. The remaining years of his life were spent in Switzerland, where he died November 15, 1881.