Andrew Dickson WhiteAndrew Dickson White was a distinguished historian, educator, and diplomat whose vision helped transform modern higher education. Born to Horace White and Clara Dickson in Homer, New York, he displayed an early passion for learning and social reform.Educated at Yale University, he later became a professor and public advocate for the advancement of knowledge free from religious influence. As the founding president of Cornell University, he championed the principles of coeducation, intellectual freedom, and scientific inquiry, shaping the institution into a model for non-sectarian learning. His diplomatic career included serving as the United States Ambassador to Germany, where he worked to strengthen international understanding through cultural and academic exchange. White's writings reflected a deep commitment to history as a moral and educational force, emphasizing rational progress and social equality. His advocacy for women's education and the separation of religion from academia established him as a leading reformer of his era, leaving a legacy that continues to influence educational philosophy and institutional independence. Read More Read Less