John R.H. Latchaw was the first president of Findlay College from 1884 - 1893 when he was replaced by one of his students, William Nelson Yates.

Through August, a display of photos and other items from the life of John R.H. Latchaw, the first president of Findlay College and the youngest college president in America, will be on display in the atrium of Winebrenner Theological Seminary on The University of Findlay campus.

The display includes information about Latchaw’s family history, his involvement with UF and his many accomplishments after his tenure as president of Findlay College.

Rob Guy, Ph.D., of Ellwood City, Pa., pastor of Barkeyville Church of God, who owns the items exhibited, coordinated the display.

In 1884, Latchaw was named president of Findlay College. Latchaw’s vision was for Findlay to become a first-class college, one that would rival any college in the country. Under Latchaw’s leadership, Findlay College acquired the Findlay Business College and the Findlay Music Conservatory, greatly expanding its curriculum.

Latchaw’s hand was involved in the selection of the faculty, the development of the curriculum, the support of the Findlay community and the recruitment of students. It was soon described as the best college west of the Alleghenies.

Though Latchaw enjoyed considerable support from both the Board of Education and the Findlay community, a poor economy and limited Church of God support placed significant financial strain on Findlay College, and led some to call for Latchaw’s resignation. He left Findlay College in 1893, and was replaced by one of his students, William Nelson Yates.