Rev. Dr. Harold L. Yochum

Harold Leland Yochum (June 7, 1903 - September 1, 1974) was an American theologian, church leader, and the ninth president of Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, United States. He was installed as its president on October 24, 1946, and served until his retirement in 1969.

Life and career Yochum was born on June 7, 1903, in Fostoria, Ohio. to William H. Yochum and Ida (Heiserman).

After graduating from Capital University in 1923 and then earning a master's degree from Ohio State University in 1924, he became a teacher and high school principal in Attica, Ohio, from 1924 to 1925. From 1925 to 1928 he taught Latin and English at Capital University. He obtained his Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, in 1928.

In 1943, he obtained his Doctor of Divinity degree from Capital University. He served as pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hessville, Ohio, from 1928 to 1934 and pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan, from 1934 to 1939. He was also a former president of the Michigan District of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) from 1937 to 1946. Yochum was elected vice president of the ALC, a commissioner to the National Lutheran Council, and president of the American Lutheran Conference. He wrote extensively for the church papers and published two books of sermons. Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degrees were awarded from Central State College (1959), Pacific Lutheran University (1960), Denison University (1969), and Ashland College (1970).

On July 5, 1928, he married Agatha Amelia Pfeiffer and subsequently had three daughters: Doris, Marilyn and Faith. In the summers they enjoyed being at the family cottage, Cedar Haven, in the Les Cheneaux Islands of northern Michigan.

Death Yochum died on September 1, 1974, in Columbus, Ohio.