author
Edwin Erle Sparks
1860–1924
Best remembered as the eighth president of Penn State, he was also a historian who helped bring American history to a wide public audience. His career moved from teaching and scholarship into university leadership during a period of major growth.
1 Audiobook
The United States of America, Part 1: 1783-1830
by Edwin Erle Sparks
About the author
Born in Ohio in 1860, he worked his way through Ohio State University, including time as a reporter for the Ohio State Journal. He later taught in Ohio schools before joining Penn State in 1890, and he went on to build a career as both an educator and a historian.
His academic work focused on American history, and he spent years teaching the subject, including at the University of Chicago. In 1908 he became the eighth president of the Pennsylvania State University, serving until 1920, a time when the school expanded its reach and public profile.
Remembered for combining scholarship with practical leadership, he remained closely associated with Penn State after his presidency as well. He died in 1924, leaving behind a legacy in both higher education and the popular study of American history.