John F. McLaren

John F. McLaren
4th Principal of the Western University of Pennsylvania
In office 1855–1858
Preceded by	Heman Dyer
Succeeded by	George Woods

Another portrait of John F. McLaren

John F. McLaren is generally numbered as the fourth chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh, then called the Western University of Pennsylvania, serving from 1855 to 1858, although McLaren's official title at the time was "Principal" which was a holdover from the institutions academy days. McLaren took over the leadership of university following the suspension of its operations in 1849 after, for the second time in less than five years, a major Pittsburgh fire had destroyed the university's buildings, equipment, and records. The university reopened in 1854. McLaren was formally inaugurated as Principal on December 19, 1856.[1]

Preceded by Heman Dyer

University of Pittsburgh Principal 1855–1858

Succeeded by George Woods

References

• Alberts, Robert C. (1987). Pitt: The Story of the University of Pittsburgh 1787-1987. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press. ISBN 0-8229-1150-7.

1. McCormick, Samuel Black (December 1908). "History of the Western University of Pennsylvania". University Bulletin. 4 (12). Allegheny, PA: University of Pittsburgh: 12–13. Retrieved August 1, 2013.