Dr. Glenn Olds Portrait

This photograph shows Glenn A. Olds, Springfield College's eighth president, holding a book.Rev. Dr. Glenn Alvero Olds (1921-2006) lived a multifaceted life. A colleague in 1978 described his early years as follows: “Born of a Catholic father and Mormon mother, influenced by Quaker upbringing and Methodist ministry, he worked his way through high school, college, and three graduate schools with honors and distinction – as a logger, ranch hand, park and forest ranger, professional boxer, dance band leader, dishwasher, and country preacher.” Olds served as president at Springfield College from July 1, 1958 to September 1, 1965, during which time he focused on curriculum revision, enrollment, long-range planning, organization, construction, and fundraising. At thirty-seven years old, he was the school’s second-youngest president. Olds left Springfield College in 1965 to accept a position as executive dean of the State University of New York, where he developed an international program for New York State’s system of colleges and universities. He later served as a special assistant for President Nixon, U.S. ambassador and representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and president at Kent State University and Alaska Pacific University