UW President Edwin Broun Fred: 1945-1958

Edwin Broun Fred, known as E. B., served as the president of the University of Wisconsin from 1945-1958. Fred reached the mandatory retirement age in 1957, but the regents asked him to stay until June 30, 1958. After his retirement, he continued to conduct research and served as an adviser to the University.

Fred achieved many accomplishments during his time as president. Student enrollment on the campus grew from around 8,000 to 17,000. The university added over 24 new buildings and research spending increased greatly. Fred oversaw the growth of the Extension program and the opening of the UW-Milwaukee campus in 1956.

This short video reveals a lesser known aspect of Dr. Fred’s life and work; his support and encouragement of women faculty and students on campus.

http://youtu.be/0zzkyGD2J74

Click to view movie transcript [pdf]

For more information about this film, E.B. Fred or campus history in general, contact the UW-Madison Archives at uwarchiv@library.wisc.edu. On, Wisconsin!

Created by Jessica Miesner (iSchool) for UW-Madison Archives.