Patrick H. Mell
| Patrick Hues Mell | |
|---|---|
| President of the University of Georgia |
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In office 1878–1888 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Holcombe Tucker |
| Succeeded by | William Ellison Boggs |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
July 19, 1814 Walthourville, Georgia |
| Died | January 26, 1888 (aged 73) Georgia |
| Alma mater | Amherst College |
Patrick Hues Mell (July 19, 1814 – January 26, 1888), was born in Walthourville, Georgia, served as the President of the Southern Baptist Convention in two terms from 1863–1871 and 1880–1887, as well as served as chancellor of the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens from 1878 until his resignation in 1888. (The head of the University was referred to as chancellor instead of president, from 1860 until 1932).
Mell was born in Walthourville, Georgia in 1814. He studied at local institutions until he entered Amherst College in 1833 at the age of 19. He studied there for two years but did not graduate with his class. By 1841 Mell had obtained a position at Mercer University as a professor of ancient languages. In 1856 he took a similar position at the University of Georgia. There he was appointed to vice-chancellor in 1860.
While working as a professor Mell also became very involved in religious works. He served as a pastor in several churches throughout his lifetime. In 1857 Mell was elected president of the Georgia Baptist Convention and three years later was named president of the Southern Baptist Convention. He retained both positions until his death in Athens in 1888.
He also published many books on religious subjects:
In 1870, Mell introduced the first college course on parliamentary procedure at the University of Georgia. In 1878, the University of Georgia had fallen on hard times. Enrollment and support were in decline, and the school needed a strong leader. Despite his initial unwillingness to take the job, Mell reluctantly accepted the Chancellorship, provided, among other things, that the Board of Trustees rescind its rule barring student secret societies (commonly known today as college fraternities). The ban had become a major source of conflict between students and faculty that Mell hoped to avoid. As a result of this action, the modern Greek system that today comprises nearly one-fifth of UGA students owes its existence to Mell.
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