Adrian R. Chamberlain 1969 - 1979 |
University Presidents |
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Born in Detroit, Michigan, Chamberlain decided to pursue his college studies in civil engineering at Michigan State University and received his B.S. degree in 1951. He went on to obtain his master's degree from Washington State University in 1952, also in civil engineering. In 1955, Chamberlain became the first student to earn a Ph.D. at CSU, then known as Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College. Soon after completing his doctoral program in engineering, he joined the CSU faculty and coordinated engineering research. A series of administrative appointments ensued, culminating in the position of executive vice president. This experience prepared Chamberlain for the presidency, which he assumed in 1969. It was a tumultuous period marked by student unrest and the burning of the Old Main Building in 1970. Chamberlain handled these problems calmly and adroitly. The university took important first steps toward addressing the demands of affirmative action by expanding opportunities for women and underrepresented minorities. During the 1970s, the boom period of American higher education ended, and fiscal accountability became increasingly important. A master of the budgeting process, Chamberlain enabled CSU to consolidate the benefits of earlier growth despite double digit inflation and other economic difficulties. In 1976 CSU achieved Carnegie Foundation Research I University status and throughout Chamberlain's presidency succeeded admirably in attracting sponsorship for key research programs. By the time Chamberlain left CSU three years later, the school was known for efficient administration and solid performance in selected academic and research programs. |
