Sylvanus Thayer (1785-1872), also known as the "Father of West Point", was an educator and engineer. Moving from Dartmouth University to West Point in 1807 and graduated in 1808. When he reached the rank of Colonel (Brevet General) he became the superintendent at West Point in 1817. Having studied military universities in France, he instituted sweeping reforms setting new standards for admission, establishing minimum levels of academic proficiency, and creating a system to measure cadet progress. A commandant of cadets was appointed to regulate discipline and the military curriculum. Thayer established a board of visitors to inspect the academy annually to recommend adjustments in curriculum. He also established an academic board of faculty and administrators to develop academic policy.

Thayer retired in 1863 as a brigadier general. In 1867 he endowed the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth and spent his last years arranging its curriculum. He died in Braintree on Sept. 7, 1872.

More Info: engineering.dartmouth.edu