Harvey W. McKnight graduated from Gettysburg College in 1865. He entered the Lutheran ministry upon graduation and was elected a trustee in 1878. As Gettysburg's fourth President, he believed education must be thorough and prepare students to be "strong, independent,alert, exact." President of Gettysburg College for twenty years, McKnight served on the Board of Trustees until 1910, at which time he was elected president emeritus.
He was the first to hold this position. McKnight found the Pennsylvania Chautauqua and served as a director of Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association, as well as the Western Maryland Railroad. His accomplishments on campus included securing P.H. Glatfelter's generous support for constructing Recitation Hall, building both Brua Chapel and the heating plant, doubling the enrollment, and adding South College (later McKnight Hall).
300 North Washington Street · Gettysburg, PA 17325