Coffman, Lotus Delta, 1875-1938

Lotus Delta Coffman came to the University of Minnesota in 1915 as Dean of the College of Education. He became president of the University in 1920, serving until his death in 1938.

From the description of Lotus Delta Coffman papers, 1907-1939. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 63314350

Lotus Coffman was born in Salem, Indiana in 1875. He graduated from Indiana University (AB 1905), (MA 1910) and Columbia University (Ph.D. 1911). He was a professor of education at Columbia from 1912- 1915. He came to the University of Minnesota in 1915 as dean of the College of Education, became president of the University in 1920, and served until his death on September 22, 1938. His presidency was marked by widespread expansion of the University including the creation of the General College, University College, the Center for Continuation Study, the University Art Gallery and the first University-based radio station. Coffman wrote several books, such as The State University, and Freedom Through Education, on the subjects of the social, cultural and recreational needs of university students, faculty and staff.

From the guide to the Lotus Delta Coffman papers, 1907-1939, (University of Minnesota Libraries. University Archives [uarc])