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Hezzleton E. Simmons
(1933-1951)
Dr. Hezzleton E. Simmons was born in Lafayette, Ohio on October 30, 1885. He graduated from Buchtel College with a B.S. in 1908 and received a M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1912. Simmons also received a D.Sc. degree from the College of Wooster in 1934 and a LL.D. degree from the University of Texas.
While at Buchtel College, Simmons was an assistant in the Chemistry Department and later served as Assistant Professor from 1910 to 1912. He succeeded Dr. Charles M. Knight as Professor of Chemistry in 1913. Simmons then served as President of the University from 1933 until he retired in June of 1951. He led the campus through a critical time, including the Great Depression and World War II and the post-war transition. His major accomplishment as President was securing federal funds for the construction of the Student Center and Simmons Hall. He later founded the College of Education, oversaw the acquisition of the Rubber Bowl, and led the University through a restructuring of its curriculum with the adoption of the “general education” system.
Simmons served as Associate Chief of the Rubber Branch of the War Production Board during World War II. He also served as Consultant to the Office of the Rubber Director, Director of the Ohio Farmers Insurance Company, and Trustee of the Universalist General Convention. Simmons also held the position of President of the Association of Urban Universities and the Ohio Colleges Association in the 1940s. Simmons was a member of the American Chemical Society, Akron Art Institute, Deutsche Chemische Gesellschaft, Lone Star Fraternity, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Eta, Kappa Delta Pi, Akron City Club, and Akron Rotary Club. On June 29, 1909, Simmons married Agnes Whiton, Buchtel College Class of 1906. They had four children. He died of a heart attack on December 30, 1954 at his home in Akron.
”My aim is to make the city of Akron realize that a worthwhile institution exists on the campus. I shall devote my time to raising the spirit of the students, and faculty, and in so doing, raise the spirit of the citizens.”
– Hezzleton E. Simmons
From The University of Akron Photographs Collection in Archival Services of University Libraries
Due to the Great Depression, no new buildings had been constructed on the campus in fifteen years and this became a major goal of the Simmons administration. With funding from the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a new building was constructed in 1936. The building, which increased classroom space by more than 50 percent, was named in his honor.
From The University of Akron Photographs Collection in Archival Services of University Libraries
Since 1924, there had been repeated efforts on campus to launch a drive for a student center, and Dean of Administration Donfred H. Gardner led the way. With funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) and the support of President Simmons, the building was completed in 1939. It was later named in Gardner’s honor.
From The University of Akron Photographs Collection in Archival Services of University Libraries
As a former student athlete, President Simmons was a firm supporter of University athletics. His conviction was that the best way to put the school before the public was through football, and during his tenure, UA played its first home games at the Rubber Bowl. This photograph shows Simmons (second from right) on the field with prominent alumni.
From The University of Akron Photographs Collection in Archival Services of University Libraries
When the Japanese cut off America’s supply of natural rubber in the Far East, a program was developed in Akron to produce synthetic rubber, and much of this work was implemented by chemists trained by President Simmons. At this time, the University also established the Institute for Rubber Research and later the Rubber Technical Institute. In 1943, the University entered an agreement with the War Production Board to operate a synthetic rubber pilot plant and research laboratories. According to George W. Knepper, ”synthetic rubber saved the day and reshaped the future of the industry.”
From The University of Akron Photographs Collection in Archival Services of University Libraries
After the end of World War II, enrollment at the University swelled to 5,600 students, including numerous veterans on the G.I. Bill. President Simmons was instrumental in acquiring $4.5 million dollars from local industry, the city, and new tax dollars to support the first systematic development on the campus since 1900. By the time classes opened in September 1949 a new engineering building (Ayer Hall) was ready for occupancy. According to George W. Knepper, these projects “marked the final achievements of the Simmons years.”
From The University of Akron President’s Office Records in Archival Services of University Libraries
After President Simmons’ death in December 1954, The University of Akron Board of Trustees passed this resolution honoring the former UA President. The resolution acknowledges his work as a teacher, administrator, chemist, public servant, and “soldier on the home front” during World War II. It also acknowledges his passion for teaching and service to his students, his community, and his country.
”‘Hez’ Simmons . . . moved his University through depression, war, and the G.I. Bulge in a way that a lesser man could not match. . . . He left the school well along the path it was destined to pursue toward fulfillment of the municipal university ideal, and beyond.”
– George W. Knepper