William Miller Beardshear

William Miller Beardshear (November 7, 1850 – August 5, 1902) was an American pastor and academic administrator who served as the President of Western College, later becoming President of Iowa State University from February 25, 1891, until his death. He was also the Superintendent of public schools in West Des Moines, Iowa. Iowa State University's Central Building became Beardshear Hall in 1938 and he was known as the "father of Iowa State College".

Personal life Beardshear was born on a farm outside of Dayton, Ohio, on November 7, 1850, to John and Elizabeth (Coleman) Beardshear. His parents held United Brethren religious services at their home. After receiving an education at Ohio public schools, Beardshear enlisted in the Union Army when he was 14 years old as part of the Fourth Army Corps in the Army of the Cumberland, serving until the American Civil War ended. After leaving the military, he began attending Otterbein University when he was 19 years old in 1869. Beardshear married student Josephine Mundhenk during his time at Otterbein University, on March 27, 1873. Beardshear did not graduate with a Bachelor of Arts from the university until June 1876 due to him having to manage the family farm after his father died of an illness. Beardshear died on August 5, 1902, after complications from a heart attack. He was survived by his wife and their five children.

Legacy Iowa State University's Central Building became Beardshear Hall in 1938. The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa said that Beardshear was known as the "father of Iowa State College".