Beach, Charles L.

Charles Lewis Beach attended the University of Wisconsin . He served on the faculty of the Storrs Agricultural College and Connecticut Agricultural College as an instructor in Dairy Husbandry (1894-1904). After serving in a similar position at the University of Vermont, Beach returned to the College as its fourth president in 1908. During President Beach's administration, CAC became a college in fact as well as in name, offering its first four-year program in 1911 and granting its first bachelor's degrees in 1914. Beach oversaw a substantial increase in enrollment and started a major building program. He guided the college through the era of World War I, when it was dominated by the needs of military training, and defended it against strong criticism and attacks in the early 1920s. By masterfully presenting the college's case before the legislative committees, President Beach succeeded in maintaining the growth and improvement of the institution despite public hostility and indifference. Known to all as “Mr. Beach,” he was well loved from his quiet, friendly manner and his deep commitment to the college. Beach Hall was dedicated in his honor in 1929 a year after his retirement from the college. Charles Lewis Beach died 15 September 1933.

From the guide to the University of Connecticut, President's Office Records [Charles L. Beach 1908-1928], undated, 1906-1929., (Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, University of Connecticut Libraries)