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C. Hoyt Watson
Charles Hoyt Watson (1888-1969) served as the third president of Seattle Pacific College (now Seattle Pacific University). He was born in Kansas on December 12, 1888. He attended the University of ...view moreCharles Hoyt Watson (1888-1969) served as the third president of Seattle Pacific College (now Seattle Pacific University). He was born in Kansas on December 12, 1888. He attended the University of Kansas and obtained a B.A. in 1918 and an M.A. in 1923. His presidential term at SPC lasted from 1926-1959, the longest of any president thus far. Enrollment soared during the latter part of his term after members of the military returned from fighting World War II. Watson also worked to expand the number of academic departments and degrees offered by the college as well as establishing the first graduate programs, while standardizing curriculum to conform to what was expected of colleges. Seattle Pacific received full college accreditation during his term. The “Falcon” name was chosen for the athletic teams, who competed against other colleges for the first time. The first women’s sports teams were established during this era, and the current gymnasium, Royal Brougham Pavilion, was constructed. Also built was McKinley Auditorium, to house the growing Fine Arts Department and the new Oratorio Society and A Capella Choir, mainstays of the Light and Life Radio Hour. Three new residences halls were completed during the Watson era: Moyer Hall (for men), Marston Hall (for women), and Watson Hall, named for C. Hoyt Watson and his wife, Elsie. Near the end of Watson’s term, the Casey Campus property on Whidbey Island was purchased by the college. Watson received an honorary doctorate of literature from SPC in 1959 at the end of his presidential term. He died in Seattle in 1969.view less