Quick Facts
Biography
Frank LeRond McVey (November 10, 1869 – January 4, 1953) was an economist, educator and academic administrator. He was the fourth president of the University of North Dakota from 1909 to 1917, and the third president of the University of Kentucky from 1917 to 1940.
Career
Education and teaching work
McVey was born in Wilmington, Ohio in 1869. He received his B.A. from Wesleyan University and his Ph.D. in Economics from Yale University in 1895. He taught at Horace Mann School in New York City, Columbia Teachers College and the University of Minnesota, where he rose quickly from instructor to tenured professor in his 11 years at the University's Department of Economics. In 1907 he was appointed chairman of the Minnesota Tax Commission.
President of the University of North Dakota
At 39 years of age, McVey became the youngest President of the University of North Dakota in 1909. His work day started at 4AM, and he worked through noon. McVey Hall, a residence hall at UND, bears his name.
President of the University of Kentucky
In 1917, McVey became the President of the University of Kentucky. During his tenure, several important campus buildings were constructed, including the university's symbolic Memorial Hall, the Margaret I. King Library, the Alumni Gymnasium, and an academic building that now bears his name, McVey Hall.
McVey retired in 1940 and continued to live in Lexington until his death in 1953.