George Morris Philips

George Morris Philips (October 28, 1851 – March 11, 1920) was an American educator and academic administrator who was the longest-serving principal of West Chester State Normal School (now West Chester University of Pennsylvania) from 1881 to 1920. A professor of mathematics who taught at West Chester and Bucknell University, Philips also authored several textbooks, rewrote Pennsylvania's school code, and served as president of the Chester County Historical Society.

Early life and education Philips was born in Atglen, Chester County, Pennsylvania, on October 28, 1851, to parents John Morris and Sarah (Jones) Philips. His ancestors had immigrated to Chester County from Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 1755 and 1712, respectively.

Raised on his family's farm, Philips attended Atglen High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts with high honors in 1871 and his Master of Arts in 1874. Both degrees were in mathematics from Bucknell University (Lewisburg University until 1886). He received his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Bucknell in 1884 and Doctor of Laws (LLD) from Temple University in 1906.

In 1913, Philips faced charges of covering up inappropriate behavior by the school's steward, Harry S. Johnson, toward female staff and students. In the most disturbing such incident, the married Johnson impregnated a student, Ruth M. Wolfe, and paid her medical bills after an unsuccessful abortion before eloping with her. In September 1913, trustees voted to demand Philips' resignation, but protests by alumni and intervention by the State of Board Education restored him to office despite the scandal.

Philips was dedicated to West Chester and declined offers of higher-profile employment, including the presidency of Bucknell University in 1888 and the position of Pennsylvania State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1899.

Civic service Philips held no elected offices but assumed numerous civic and professional leadership positions. He served as president of the Teachers Association of Pennsylvania in 1891, vice president of the National Educational Association in 1894 and 1910, member of the college and University Council of Pennsylvania from 1895 to 1911, trustee of Bucknell University, board member of the Bank of Chester County, vice president of the Dime Savings Bank of Chester County, board member of Chester Count Hospital, and board member of the American Baptist Publication Society. He served as president of the Chester County Historical Society from 1894 to 1920

After suffering a stroke six days earlier on the way home from a school dinner, Philips died at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia on March 11, 1920, at the age of 68. He was buried at Oaklands Cemetery.