1936-1970: Paul Swain Havens

Paul Swain Havens was born in Lawrenceville, New Jersey on Sept. 9, 1903. His mother, Elizabeth Swain Havens, was a graduate of Wilson's class of 1895. Havens attended Princeton University, where he graduated as valedictorian and a member of Phi Beta Kappa, before attending Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar at from 1925-1928.

Havens taught briefly at Princeton (1930) and served as an assistant professor at Scripps College in California. On May 22, 1936, Havens was inaugurated as Wilson's president at the youthful age of 33, making him one of the youngest college presidents in the country.

As president for 34 years, Havens had plenty of time to leave his mark on Wilson. During his time, the College saw a 40% increase in faculty and improvement of faculty benefits. He established funds to bring distinguished visitors on campus as well as president's and other prizes to recognize high student scholastic achievement. Affectionately known to students as "Prexy", Havens increased the number of courses offered, created Parents' Weekend in 1941, expanded the library, and increased available financial aid to students. He established a campus bookstore, a Placement Office, a Development Office, a Public Relations Office, and a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.

In the late 1960’s, there was some conflict between his conservative views and student activism on campus. Much of this revolved around civil rights and the war in Vietnam.

Havens acquired additional campus property resulting in a total of 101 acres. He oversaw the acquisition and construction of 15 buildings including Prentis, Davison, Disert, McElwain, and Rosenkrans dorms; Laird Hall; Sharpe House (now the President's residence); French, German, and Spanish houses; two fine arts studios, and a Science Center.

President Havens submitted his resignation in 1968 but was convinced to stay on until the college celebrated the Centennial Anniversary of the founding. Upon his retirement, he remained in the Chambersburg area and lived across the street from the campus until his death on August 22, 1980.