1949-1953 Terris Moore
UA's Second President, Dr. Terris Moore
In 1948, President Bunnell, 70 years of age and in ill health, announced his intention to retire and a search
began for his successor.
Terris Moore was the second president of the University of Alaska, serving from 1949
to 1953. Moore, who was known as the "flying president," was an avid mountaineer and
first climbed peaks in Alaska in 1930. As president of the university, he climbed
and named "University Peak," in the St. Elias Range. Before becoming the university
president, he was a successful investor and businessman and had a distinguished academic
career.
Moore increased the physical plant of the campus by overseeing the construction of
the Sydney Chapman Building, which housed the Geophysical Institute until 1970; the Brooks Memorial Mines Building; Andrew Nerland Hall; completed the Eielson Building; and created a new master plan for the campus, some of which is still in effect today.
On-campus enrollment reached 409 in 1953, and the university began offering courses
on several military bases in Alaska.
Moore, with Sydney Chapman's help, assembled a distinguished research staff at the Geophysical Institute and
established the first formal graduate study at the university.
Dr. Terris Moore didn't stop thinking about the University of Alaska when he retired
in 1953. Over the years he donated more than $30,000 in gifts and grants towards what
he called his "sentimental objective" of repaying the entire salary he received during
his four years as president. At commencement exercises in May of 1964, he made the
final installment in the form of a check for $31,325. The check was presented by a
member of the Board of Regents during Dr. Moore's tenure, Dr. C. Earl Albrecht, who received an honorary doctorate degree from the university. Moore died in 1993.
UA Site named after Terris Moore
Terris More is also mentioned in these articles:
Regent: Grace Berg Schiable
How Old is the University of Alaska?
History of the Presidents' Residence, Part 1
Early Climbers Met Denali's Challenge
Wood Presidency Draws to a Close
Geophysical Institute's History, Part 2, 3
Sources:
Cole, Terrence. The Cornerstone on College Hill. Fairbanks: University of Alaska Pres,
1994. Print. ISBN: 0912006579
Cashen, William R. Farthest North College President. Fairbanks: University of Alaska
Press, 1972