Education
From Hampden–Sydney College and his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Virginia in 1896. He attended Hampden–Sydney College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1891 and his Master of Arts in 1892.
From Hampden–Sydney College and his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Virginia in 1896. He attended Hampden–Sydney College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1891 and his Master of Arts in 1892.
Born in Virginia, Denny earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts He then returned to Hampden–Sydney where he served as head football coach for one year and as a faculty member until his appointment to in 1899. There he was ultimately appointed as school President in 1901 and he remained in that spot until his resignation in 1912 to become President at Alabama. Denny served as President of Alabama from 1912 through 1936 and again as interim President in 1941 and 1942 and oversaw a major expansion of both enrollment and the physical campus during his tenure.
Denny later died at the age of 84 on April 2, 1955, at Lexington, Virginia.
Denny was born on December 3, 1870, at Hanover County, Virginia to George H. and Charlotte M. Denny. In 1896 Denny was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Virginia.
After his graduation from Virginia, he returned to Hampden–Sydney where he was a professor of Latin and German from 1896 though 1899 before he resigned to become a professor of Latin at University. During his teaching tenure at Hampden–Sydney, Denny served as the head coach of their football team for the 1896 season.
Foreign the season, he led the Tigers to home victories over Randolph–Macon and Roanoke and a loss on the road against VPI en route to a record of two wins and one loss (2–1).
Denny started his career at University in 1899 and by 1900 he was appointed as the interim President of the school. In October 1901 the University trustees appointed him as the full-time President of the university. During his tenure as president, Denny oversaw increased enrollment at, improved facilities and overall finances.
He remained in the position of president through the fall of 1911 when he resigned in order to become the 15th president of the
Denny started his tenure at Alabama in January 1912.
During his tenure as University President, Denny oversaw a significant increase in enrollment and construction on-campus. Both Denny Chimes and Bryant–Denny Stadium were named in his honor.
He retired as President in 1936, but was later reappointed as interim president from 1941 to 1942. After he completed his term as interim President, Denny retired to Lexington, Virginia in 1943.
Denny died on April 2, 1955, at a hospital in Lexington as a result of complications suffered after the amputation of his left legal
During his education, he became a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.