Charles Franklin Phillips

Charles Franklin Phillips (May 25, 1910 – March 3, 1998) was an American economist who served as the fourth President of Bates College from March 1944 to November 1967. Previous to his assumption of the Bates presidency, he was the deputy administrator of the U.S. Office of Price Administration from March 1937 to July 1941. Upon being elected the youngest president in Bates history at 34, he increased the student body to 1,004, created the college's study-abroad program, and added $5 million to the endowment, more than quadrupling it. At his death he left $9 million to the college in his will and testament. He was known for employing economic principles of competition and market share when dealing with students which ultimately lead him to be successful institutionally but unpopular with students. Early life and career Phillips was born in Nelson, Pennsylvania on May 25, 1910. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in economics from Colgate University and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. Phillips then went on to teach, research, and write as an economics professor at Colgate. He served as the deputy administrator in the United States Office of Price Administration and Civilian Supplies from March 10, 1937, to July 1, 1941. He was a full professor at Colgate and a leading economist before coming to Bates.