Malcolm MacVicar

This is an 1866 photograph of Malcolm MacVicar, last principal of the Brockport (NY) Collegiate Institute at the time of the photograph. Malcolm MacVicar (September 30, 1829 – May 18, 1904 ), later called Malcolm MacVicar Sr to distinguish him from his grandson of the same name, was a prominent American educator active during the latter half of the 19th century.

Early years Born in Dunglass, Argyllshire, Scotland, MacVicar's parents emigrated to Canada when he was young. After graduation he was hired as a teacher of math and natural science at Brockport Collegiate Institute, now The College at Brockport, State University of New York. and was a leader in the movement for the school to merge with Woodstock College, which it did in 1887. MacVicar then served as the first chancellor of the newly formed McMaster University, leading the school from 1888 until 1890. right MacVicar left McMaster to become the superintendent of education for the American Baptist Home Mission Society, Under MacVicar's leadership, the Society founded Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, and from the school's founding in 1899 until his death in 1904, MacVicar was the first president.

MacVicar Hospital, at Spelman College, is also named for him, owing to his involvement with the American Baptist Home Mission Society. An Elementary Arithmetic (1877), Hand-book of the MacVicar Tellurian Globe (1878), Teachers' Manual of Elementary Arithmetic (1880), and Principles of Education (1892). A Complete Arithmetic and Principles of Education remain in print as of 2011.

The Journal of Education reviewed Principles in 1893, saying, "[MacVicar] has endeavored—with, on the whole, considerable success—to state briefly, but clearly and suggestively, the leading propositions concerning the nature and processes of education, leading up, finally, to the training necessary for one who is to become a teacher. . . Altogether, we like this little book, and are glad to have it."