Fawcett, Novice G.

Eighth president of The Ohio State University (1956-72); superintendent of Columbus Public Schools (1949-56); OSU alumnus (M.S., 1937).

Novice Gail Fawcett was born on March 29, 1909, in Gambier, Ohio. The son of a farmer, Fawcett was encouraged at a young age to pursue a life of education. In 1931, Fawcett graduated from Kenyon College with a bachelor's degree and later earned a master's degree in Education from The Ohio State University in 1937. Fawcett spent many years leading public school districts: he was superintendent for Defiance City Schools from 1938 to 1943, Bexley City Schools from 1943 to 1947, Akron Public Schools from 1947 to 1949, and Columbus City Schools from 1949 to 1956.

Fawcett became OSU's eighth president on August 1, 1956, following the retirement of former President Howard Bevis. Fawcett's formal inauguration was not held until April 29, 1957, at the then-recently opened St. John Arena. His inaugural address was entitled "Toward a New Level of Greatness" and would reflect his resolve for the expansion and advancement of education.

While there was initial concern over his lack of a Ph.D., Fawcett's background in educational administration would lend itself well to the role of University President. He implemented several important organizational changes to the University, including an increase in the number of vice presidents; a structural reorganization of the departments and colleges; an expansion of student housing; and an increase in student scholarships. Fawcett's administration was not without controversy. In the late 1960s students demonstrating on various issues clashed repeatedly with his administration, which some saw as unresponsive to their demands. After four students died during a riot at Kent State University on May 4, 1970, Fawcett order the campus closed for two weeks. Fawcett ordered a task force to study the various demands, and eventually significant changes were made, such as the introduction of a Department of African-American Studies, an Office of Minority Affairs, and a child-care center. Due to a series of medical complications, Fawcett retired from the position of University President in 1972 after sixteen years. He retained close ties with the University, serving as an educational consultant to many local organizations. Novice G. Fawcett died on June 19, 1998 at the age of 89.