Dr. Clarence Wilson Geene was born in Hadley, Michigan in 1873. Greene earned a BA, and MA, and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Michigan. Greene was employed as a physics instructor at Columbia University prior to being hired as president of Albany College. Greene was selected for the position by Dr. Frederick Stockwell, secretary of the Presbyterian Church Board of Christian Education because of Greene's interest in expanding the student "self-help" program, and making it a focus at Albany College. This program allowed students to work at the to help pay for their education. Greene was also responsible for overseeing Albany's move to the new "Montieth" campus, building William Henry Gray Hall, and relocating and remodeling Woodward Hall. Prior to Greene's hiring, Albany College had lost its accredation with the U.S. Bureau of Education. Greene's leadership helped Albany regain its accreditation in 1925. During his time as President, Albany's enrollment increased from 92 to 141 students. In 1928 Greene left Albany to take a position as President of Parsons College in Iowa. Following Greene's departure, Albany College was hit hard by the Great Depression. A decrease in donations and enrollment once again resulted in a loss in accreditation. The College was forced to close its doors in Albany and rent buildings in Portland to maintain adequate enrollment. In 1938 Albany College decided to hire the retired Clarence W. Greene to help stabilize the institution. During Greene's final three years working for the College, Albany was able to purchase the Frank Estate in Southwest Portland, hire a dynamic new President in Morgan Odell, and emerge from the brink of collapse as Lewis & Clark College.
From the guide to the Administrative Records of Albany College (Oregon) President, Clarence Wilson Greene, 1923-1941, (Lewis & Clark College Special Collections and Archives)
