Albert L. Pugsley was born in 1889 in Woodbine, Iowa. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1930 from South Dakota University and his Masters of Architecture from Harvard in 1934. A registered engineer and a licensed professional architect, Pugsley held honorary doctoral degrees from South Dakota State University and Kansas Wesleyan University. Prior to the Presidency of Youngstown University, Pugsley served Kansas State University as Dean of Academic Administration, Dean of Administration, Professor of Structural Engineering, and Administrative Vice President. He was also active with the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, becoming its President in 1971. Pugsley is regarded as the architect of the modern Youngstown State University. As Youngstown State University President, he guided the institution into the state system of higher education in 1967 and accelerated the physical and academic expansion of the campus. He especially placed great emphasis on undergraduate education. Pugsley retired from Youngstown State University in 1973 and moved to Florida, where he passed away in 1977.
From the description of Office of the President, Youngstown State University, Albert L. Pugsley : records, 1966-1973. (Youngstown State University). WorldCat record id: 463328019
