DWU Memory Book: If anyone deserves credit as founder, Brush is likely choice

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an excerpt from “The Dakota Wesleyan University Memory Book, 1885-2010,” a new book by James McLaird. Excerpts will be published regularly until the 125th anniversary celebration Oct. 1-2.

If any one person could be designated as the founder of Dakota University, Dr. William Brush would be the likely choice. He was among those who incorporated the school in 1883, and became its first president. Brush was, according to those who knew him, an inspirational leader. Nonetheless, he had his detractors and was ousted from the presidency against his will.

No one doubted Brush’s credentials. A Yale graduate and Methodist pastor, he had served as president of Upper Iowa University for 10 years. It was hardly surprising that he was selected president of Dakota University on May 23, 1885, given his experience, education and active role as promoter. With virtually no administrative staff, Brush served as faculty member, academic dean, admissions director, business manager, dean of students and development officer.

Brush believed that funds for the college could be raised only in the more settled part of the country, and therefore spent most of his time in the East. During one of these fundraising excursions, Merrill Hall burned. Immediately upon his return, Brush led the campaign to rebuild. This meant even more extensive absences in the East.

Critics complained that he was gone too much, and on June 27, 1888, the board of directors offered the presidency to the pastor of the Mitchell Methodist Church, A.W. Adkinson. However, the next day the board reversed its decision, and reinstated Brush.

Exacerbating the situation, Brush accepted an appointment from President Benjamin Harrison as U.S. Consul to Italy. Finally, in 1891, the board demoted Brush to chancellor and elected Charles O. Merica president. When he learned the news, Brush resigned and accepted the presidency of Morningside College.

Despite these tensions, Brush maintained close ties to Dakota University. During a visit in 1893, he, “upon request, led the devotional exercises.”

Two years later, he died.

“The Dakota Wesleyan University Memory Book, 1885-2010” is now available at the DWU Bookstore in the McGovern Library. It sells for $29.95. Jim McLaird will be DWU’s Opperman Lecturer at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, and will do a book signing immediately following. He’ll also sign books at 1:30 p.m. that day in the library.

Tags: dakota wesleyan university, memory book, james mclaird, william brush, dwu 125th anniversary celebration, merrill hall, news