Dr. Glenn Olds and Charles E. Shain (c. 1962-1965)

Abstract

This photograph shows (left to right) Glenn A. Olds, Springfield College’s eighth president, standing with Charles E. Shain, who served as president at Connecticut College from 1962 to 1974.Rev. Dr. Glenn A. Olds (1921-2006) lived a multifaceted life. In describing Olds’ early years, a colleague said, “Born of a Catholic father and Mormon mother, influenced by Quaker upbringing and Methodist ministry, he worked his way through high school, college, and three graduate schools with honors and distinction – as a logger, ranch hand, park and forest ranger, professional boxer, dance band leader, dishwasher, and country preacher.” Olds served as president at Springfield College from July 1, 1958 to September 1, 1965, during which he focused on curriculum revision, enrollment, long-range planning, organization, construction, and fundraising. At thirty-seven years old, he was the school’s second-youngest president. Olds left Springfield College in 1965 to accept a position as executive dean of the State University of New York, where he developed an international program for New York State’s entire system of colleges and universities. He later served as a special assistant for President Nixon, U.S. ambassador and representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and president at Kent State University and Alaska Pacific University