John Mitchell Mason

John Mitchell Mason was the first provost of the university. He served in this position from 1811 to 1816. The position was actually created for him as compensation for him not being made the president. As provost, he drew a salary of $3400/year, while the president made only $500/year.

The university created a named professorship in his honor, which is usually given to former provosts. The current John Mitchell Mason Professor Emeritus is William Theodore de Bary. The current John Mitchell Mason Professor is Jonathan Cole.