Biography

Dr. William Madison Randall was the third president of Wilmington College (1958-1968). He was born in Michigan and earned his undergraduate degree (1921) and masters degree (1924)from the University of Michigan. In 1929, he graduated summa cum laude from the Hartford Theological Seminary with specialties in languages and library science. He was a committee member of The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace sent to reorganize the Vatican library in 1928. From 1929-1932 he was a consultant for the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Dr. Randall was also managing editor of "Library Quarterly" and assistant Dean of Students at University of Chicago. During World War II he was attached to the War Department and stationed in Cairo, Egypt. In 1947, he returned to academics becoming Director of Library at the University of Georgia. From 1948-1951, he held the position of Academic Dean to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. While recuperating from an automobile accident in Wilmington, Dr. Randall became part of the growing Wilmington College, first as a Dean and then as chief administrator. He is credited with the development of the seal and motto (discere aude - learn courageous), which is still used today. It was during his tenure that Wilmington College met requirements for accreditation as a four-year college. Among his numerous publications are "Principles of College Library Administration" and "The Acquisition and Cataloging of Books." It is an appropriate honor for the campus library to be named for Dr. William Randall.

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