Early life
MacCracken was born in Toledo, Ohio in November 19, 1880, to Henry Mitchell MacCracken. Henry's brother was John Henry MacCracken, president (1915–26) of Lafayette College. In 1900, MacCracken earned an English degree from New York University (NYU). After graduation, he joined the faculty of American University in Beirut, Syrian Protestant College in Beirut for three years before coming back to NYU for graduate study. After completing a master's degree in English, he earned a Ph.D. from Harvard University. On June 12, 1907, MacCracken married Marjorie Dodd. His son, Calvin D. MacCracken, Calvin Dodd MacCracken, was a noted inventor.Career
MacCracken was president of Vassar from 1915 to 1946. A proponent of women's suffrage and liberal political views in general, MacCracken was fired for holding such beliefs in 1918. However, three trustees resigned and students protested, so MacCracken was returned to his position. In the 1920s, MacCracken was involved in the founding of Sarah Lawrence College, which was initially a women's junior college affiliated with Vassar. A residence hall named after MacCracken was completed in 1930. He was on the board of trustees of the college until its affiliation with Vassar was severed in 1935.Later life
MacCracken died on May 7, 1970, at his home, 87 New Hackensack Road, in Poughkeepsie, New York. His wife, Marjorie Dodd MacCracken died in 1974.References
External links
* {{DEFAULTSORT:MacCracken, Henry 1880 births 1970 deaths People from Toledo, Ohio New York University alumni Harvard University alumni Smith College faculty Presidents of Vassar College Commanders of the Order of the White Lion 20th-century American academics