Charles Lewis Beach

Charles Lewis Beach (April 6, 1866 — September 15, 1933) was an American agricultural educator who served as the 4th president of Connecticut Agricultural College, now the University of Connecticut, from 1908 to 1928. Beach played a pivotal role in UConn's development. He also laid the foundations for the future William Benton Museum of Art. Beach is one of only five presidents to hold the honorary title of President Emeritus.

Early life and education Beach was born on April 6, 1866, in Whitewater, Wisconsin. His father was a member of the University of Wisconsin's board of regents. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with dual B.A. and B.S. degrees in 1886.

Physical plant Beach inherited a deteriorating physical plant, unfurnished classrooms, overcrowded dormitories, and sewage and water problems. He lobbied the Connecticut General Assembly year after year for higher annual appropriations and capital investments, with considerable success. In 1911, the state appropriated $178,000 to build a new men's dormitory, a poultry school building, a dining hall, and various barns and cottages. In 1913, another $60,000 was appropriated to construct an auditorium and the Hawley Armory building, which provided long-awaited facilities for athletics.

Under Beach, the value of the college rose from $358,000 in 1908 to $3,356,574 in 1928. Land holdings rose from 300 to 1200 acres. The number of substantial buildings on campus doubled.

The Charles Lewis Beach Society was established to honor donors who make planned gifts to UConn.

Later life Amid declining health (heart problems and a thyroid condition), Beach retired as president on July 31, 1928, twenty years after assuming the presidency.

During retirement, Beach continued to live in a cottage on campus but avoided any role in administration or instruction. He adopted a leisurely lifestyle, hosting dinner parties, traveling around the region to visit exhibits and purchase art, visiting friends, reading, and going on walks. Beach suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on September 1, 1933, and died on September 15, 1933, at age 67.