Spright Dowell

Spright Dowell (January 2, 1878 – February 24, 1963) was the President of Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now known as Auburn University, from 1920 to 1927, and of Mercer University from 1928 to 1953.

Biography Spright Dowell was born in Cary, North Carolina on January 2, 1878. In 1896, he graduated from Wake Forest College. He attended the Southern University of Tennessee, and received an M.A. from Columbia University in 1911. He taught and worked as a school principal in Alabama and North Carolina. From 1913 to 1919, he worked for the Alabama Department of Education, as chief clerk, director of teacher training, and superintendent of education.

From 1920 to 1927, he was the President of Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now known as Auburn University. From 1928 to 1953, he was President of Mercer University. In 1949 and 1950, he was President of the Georgia Baptist Convention. He also served as secretary-treasurer of the Southern Baptist Education Commission, and became its Chairman in 1953.