Charles L. Purce

Charles L. Purce (July 4, 1856 – August 7, 1905) was an American educator and academic administrator, active in Louisville, Kentucky, and Selma, Alabama. He was a leader in the Baptist church, and served as president of Selma University and Simmons College of Kentucky, both Baptist institutions.

Early life Charles L. Purce was born on July 4, 1856, to Ellen and William Purce in Charleston, South Carolina. He was educated at public and private schools and attended high school in Charleston.

Academic career In November 1886, he left his position as pastor to take the chair of Greek and Latin at Selma University at Selma, Alabama. The same year he succeeded Edward M. Brawley as president at Selma University upon the unanimous vote of the university board and unanimous endorsement of the General Convention of Baptists of the state of Alabama. Among his important services to Selma was the paying off of a debt of $8,000 the university owed. In 1894, he accepted the presidency of Simmons College of Kentucky, then known as the State University at Louisville, succeeding William J. Simmons. In 1901 he was nominated again to the presidency of Selma University, a move which was opposed by the American Baptist a journal in Louisville, and Purce remained in Louisville.

Death Purce died August 7, 1905, after three days of illness.