Hancher vs. Hilton: Iowa’s Rival University Presidents

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In the late 1950s presidents of rival schools the University of Iowa, and Iowa State, began a several-year feud which redefined both institutions. While President of Iowa State, James Hilton worked to transform the state college into a broader university. But Virgil Hancher was deeply suspicious of the prospects for two, competing state universities after years of struggle to obtain funds for the University of Iowa, and fought hard for an alternate vision. The result was a contest over educational philosophy, petty administrative details and bottom-line financial advantage. The rival presidents fought in public forums, and behind the scenes in remarkably pointed memos and meetings. The product of more than two years’ archival research, Hancher vs. Hilton reintroduces the largely forgotten individuals behind two iconic names, whose full stories have gone untold for more than 50 years.