Linnaeus Hines: Ball State's 2nd president

<p>Linnaeus Hines served as Ball State's second president from 1921-24. During his presidency, enrollment increased from 180 students to 522 and the university's name changed from Indiana State Normal School Eastern Division to Ball Teachers College. <strong>Ball State University, Photo Provided.&nbsp;</strong></p>

Linnaeus Hines served as Ball State's second president from 1921-24. During his presidency, enrollment increased from 180 students to 522 and the university's name changed from Indiana State Normal School Eastern Division to Ball Teachers College. Ball State University, Photo Provided. 

Editor's note: In honor of the university's centennial year, The Daily News is counting down 100 days to the university's celebration Sept. 6 with 100 of Ball State's most famous traditions and figures. Check back each day to read about Cardinal history.  

Originally born in Carthage, Missouri, but growing up in Noblesville, Indiana, Linnaeus Hines served as the university’s second president from 1921-24. 

Hines earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1984 and did post graduate work at Cornell University 1899. 

Hines taught high school mathematics around Indianapolis before serving as a member of the Board of Trustees and the state superintendent of public instruction, according to Ball State’s website. 

In 1921, Hines became the fourth president of Indiana State Normal School [which is now Indiana State University] and its Eastern Division [which is now Ball State], according to Indiana State’s website. 

While his time as Ball State’s president was short, the college saw tremendous growth in enrollment and construction. 

From 1919 to 1922, enrollment increased from 180 students to 522, according to Ball State’s website. Science Hall was constructed and work on Ball Gymnasium began. 

Additionally, The Easterner, the college newspaper that would one day become The Daily News, began publication in 1922. 

But, perhaps the biggest change the college saw during Hines’ time was the change of name from Indiana State Normal School to Ball Teachers College in honor of the Ball family. 

With the name change came a new president, Benjamin Burris, though Hines stayed on at Indiana State Normal School until 1933. Under his leadership, the college was renamed Indiana State Teachers College in 1929. 

He suffered a stroke in 1932, which is why he resigned, but he continued to serve Indiana State Teachers College as director of extension, placement and student activities until his death, according to Indiana University’s website. 

Hines died July 14, 1936, in Terre Haute, Indiana. In 1966, the school dedicated Hines Hall in his honor.

Read more centennial content here.

Contact Brynn Mechem with comments at bamechem@bsu.edu or on Twitter @BrynnMechem.

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