Frank Palmer Speare was named the Educational Director of the Evening Institute of the Boston YMCA in 1896. He transformed the loosely organized school into an institute for higher learning that eventually became Northeastern University. He oversaw the launching of several of Northeastern University's early schools: the Evening Law School, the now-defunct Automobile School, the Evening Polytechnic School, the School of Commerce and Finance, and the Co-operative Engineering School. In 1916 the Evening Institute was incorporated and renamed Northeastern College. Frank Palmer Speare was elected the college's first president and was inaugurated on March 31, 1917. Frank Palmer Speare retired on June 30, 1940, and was appointed President Emeritus. He remained associated with Northeastern University as a Trustee and Corporation member until his death in 1954.
From the description of Office of the President (Speare 1917-1940) records, 1896-1951. (Northeastern University). WorldCat record id: 49662261
