Paul Magnus Gross

Paul Magnus Gross, Sr. (September 15, 1895 – May 4, 1986) was an American chemist and educator at Duke University.

Early life Gross was born on September 15, 1895.

Education Gross received a B.S. degree from City College of New York in 1916, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Columbia University in 1917 and 1919.

Career In 1919, Gross started his career as an assistant professor of chemistry (1919-1920) at Duke University. Gross was quickly promoted to full professor and served as chair of the chemistry department from 1921 to 1948.

In 1947, Gross became the Dean of the Graduate School (1947-1952), Dean of the University (1952-1958), and Vice-President in the Educational Division (1949-1960).

Gross' opinions on administrative matters led around 1960 to conflicts with President A. Hollis Edens in what came to be known as the Gross-Edens Affair. The debate was mostly over whether Duke University should become a regional or national university, and to what degree the institution should be known for its devotion to research or teaching. Gross pressed for rapid growth towards national stature as a research university, an outcome that Duke did later achieve. Edens resigned from his position as University President, and Gross was removed from his administrative position as a result of the conflict.

Personal life Gross died on May 4, 1986, in Durham, North Carolina. Upon his death he was survived by a son, a daughter, and two grandsons.