Background
His father was a member of the United Presbyterian Church Of North America African Mission. Watson grew up in Egypt and returned to the United States in 1889 to continue his education at Lawrenceville and then Princeton.
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Charles Watson
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Princeton University. Ohio State University.
Career
He returned from the mission with the strong belief that there should be another Western institution for higher learning in Egypt. The institution was finally launched in 1919 after enough funding and suitable location could be guaranteed. He remained at the AUC until John Badeau succeeded him as president in 1945, although he was still heavily active in AUC activities until his death in 1948.
As the founding president, his service as president from 1919 to 1945 greatly shaped the way in which the AUC evolved.
Watson was able to overcome these impediments by adopting a more conciliatory and compromising tone. Additionally, Watson led the AUC in a direction which placed less emphasis on religion.
This also helped to cast the AUC in a more favorable light. Watson also was an avid fundraiser and adapted his techniques to target wealthy families who may have an interest in seeing the AUC succeed.
By simultaneously creating less of a Christian focus and enhancing his fund-raising techniques, Watson was able to ensure that the university remained prominent despite the tough economic times of the 1930s.
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Born
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Died
January 11, 1948 (aged 76) -
Nationality
United States