Philip G. Hoffman | |
|---|---|
 Hoffman, ca. 1963 | |
| 1st Chancellor of the University of Houston System | |
| In office 1977–1979 | |
| Succeeded by | Charles E. Bishop |
| 5th President of the University of Houston | |
| In office 1961–1977 | |
| Preceded by | Clanton W. Williams |
| Succeeded by | Barry Munitz |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 August 1915 |
| Died | 29 October 2008(2008-10-29) (aged 93) |
| Spouse | Mary Harding |
| Children | Mary Victoria Cobb Ruth Ann Cabler Jeanne Camp Philip G. Hoffman, Jr. |
| Alma mater | Pacific Union College University of Southern California Ohio State University |
| Profession | Professor |
| Website | UH Office of the President |
Philip Guthrie Hoffman (6 August 1915 – 29 October 2008) was the fifthpresident of theUniversity of Houston, and the first chancellor of theUniversity of Houston System. While at the university, he was instrumental in obtaining state affiliation, transitioning to a racially integrated status, and expanding enrollment in multiple locations. Hoffman also served as president of theTexas Medical Center. Prior to his appointment as president of UH, he was a professor and administrator for several universities.
Hoffman was born in 1915 inKobe,Hyōgo Prefecture,Japan to Benjamin Philip Hoffman and Florence Guthrie Hoffman who were serving as missionaries there.[1] The family moved toOregon when he was five. Hoffman received aBBA fromPacific Union College in 1938, and aMaster's degree in History from theUniversity of Southern California in 1942.[2] He then served in theUnited States Navy duringWorld War II as anintelligence officer.
After the war, Hoffman earned hisDoctorate in History fromOhio State University in 1948. During and after his graduate work at Ohio State, he worked as a professor at the university until 1949. He then went to theUniversity of Alabama, where he served as an associate and assistant professor until 1953. Until 1956, Hoffman was first vice-dean and then dean of the general extension division for the Oregon State System of Higher Education (now known as theOregon University System).
In 1957, he came to theUniversity of Houston as vice-president and dean of faculties. He served in this capacity until September 1961 when he succeeded Clanton W. Williams as thepresident of the university. During his time as president, Hoffman helped to found theUniversity of Houston System. He became the system's first chancellor upon resigning from position of president of UH. He remained chancellor of the system until his retirement in 1979. In 1980, UH dedicated the on-campus Philip Guthrie Hoffman Hall in his honor, and upon his death in 2008, PresidentRenu Khator named October 31, "Philip G. Hoffman Day".
Upon retirement from the University of Houston System, Hoffman served as President of theTexas Medical Center from 1981 until 1984.[3][4]
Hoffman died 29 October 2008 in his Houston home.[4] He is survived by his wife, Mary Hoffman (a niece of U.S. PresidentWarren G. Harding); three daughters, Mary Victoria, Ruth Ann, and Jeanne; his grandchildren John, Guy, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Melanie, and Mary; and his great-grand child Mary Mae.
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