The college that almost became a monument to a US President

Science · Published 20 October 2026 · Updated 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1931, a community debate nearly renamed Hiram College to honor James A. Garfield, the 20th US President. While the name change was ultimately abandoned, the institution remains a unique site of historical intersection, blending a 19th-century religious foundation with modern, tech-forward academic restructuring.

Founded in 1850 as the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, the college was established by members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They specifically chose the village of Hiram in the Connecticut Western Reserve because they believed the area was "healthful and free of distractions." The school eventually incorporated as Hiram College in 1867, following a period where it served students from both local farms and across the nation.

The college holds a deep personal connection to James A. Garfield. Between 1851 and 1853, he attended the institute, subsequently coming back to instruct there. During his tenure as principal, he significantly expanded the curriculum before departing in 1861 to eventually become the 20th president of the United States. In 1931, a significant community debate arose regarding renaming the school 'Garfield College' to mark the centennial of his birth, but the proposal was never officially pursued.

In recent years, the college has pivoted toward a "New Liberal Arts" model to address enrollment challenges. Starting in 2016, the institution consolidated its academic departments into five interdisciplinary schools, including a dedicated School of Science and Technology. This reorganization included the "Tech and Trek" initiative, which was the first 1-to-1 mobile technology program at an Ohio liberal arts college. Today, the college maintains a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 94% job placement rate.

The institution balances this historical weight with modern financial guarantees for students. It offers a Tuition Guarantee to lock in rates for all four years and a Graduation Guarantee for students following their academic plans. These mechanisms aim to provide a predictable path to a degree while maintaining the personalized instruction typical of a small private college.

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