Photo credit:
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, reproduction LC-USZ62-62747

Franklin Buchanan (1800-1874) was president from 1868-1869. A native of Baltimore, Buchanan had been the first superintendent of the United States Naval Academy and the highest-ranking officer in the Confederate navy.

He reinstituted the preparatory school, reduced tuition, and rehired a science professor. Enrollment rose to 61 students.

Buchanan, however, neglected to file the annual report required by law. Subsequent inquiries by the trustees revealed that Buchanan had committed the institution to approximately $6,000 in debts. Shortly thereafter, he resigned and moved to Alabama to serve briefly as head of an insurance company.

Samuel Regester, President, 1869-1873