President Everett L. Rexford, 1878-1880 

Everett L. Rexford was a young local Universalist pastor who helped found Buchtel College but preferred the pulpit to the presidency. After two productive years in office, he resigned to assume a pastorate in Detroit, after carrying on a bitter feud in the newspaper with another area pastor.

1880

The first master’s degree is awarded - to William D. Shipman Buchtel College class of 1877.

1882

For the first time, students are allowed to choose some elective courses.