This date in Michigan History

January 14, 1857

Joseph R. Williams is appointed the first president of the newly created Agricultural College.

On February 12,1855, at the urging of the Michigan State Agricultural Society, the Michigan Agricultural College was created. Williams, a merchant and miller from Constantine, had been active in the state promoting scientific agriculture and a leader in the agricultural college movement. The first students arrived at the future Michigan State University in the spring of 1857. Williams served as president until his resignation in March 1859.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.

This date in Michigan History