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Mercer University Presidents

Joseph Edgerton Willet, (acting 1893)

  • Unexpectedly elected professor of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry willetwhile attending commencement in 1847, a position he held for 46 years
  • Became acting president between Tucker and Battle, and then Nunnally and Gambrell
  • Quick bio: (1826-1897); A.B., A.M., M.D., LL.D.; scientist; spouse: Emily Sanders (1851)

 

Description of Willet by student Edwin S. Davis:

"...learned scientist, who was respected by the student body because of his abundant store of knowledge, and was admired for his genius to teach....With him a lesson in chemistry was also a lesson in courtesy."


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