Here at Kenyon, we see a lot of different hairstyles, and with them, a lot of different beards. There are full beards, five o’clock shadows, even the infamous neckbeard. However, our dearly loved President, and the presidents of our college for the past 100 years, have been clean shaven. As a great appreciator of the beard in its many forms, I felt it was my duty to the population of Kenyon, Gambier, and the larger Knox county area to bring you the best of the best: I present, the bearded Kenyon Presidents in all their hairy glory.
1. Lorin Andrews (1854–1861)
Andrews may be our 9th president, but the large bush of facial hair surrounding his jaw puts him in 1st on my list.
2. Eli Todd Tappan (1868–1875)
Our 11th president was a mathematician, and it looks like everything added up in the beard department. One look at his carefully groomed stache/beard combo and you’ll see what I mean.
3. Theodore Sterling (1891–1896)
The 14th president of our fine establishment was rocked an unusual beard style, with clean cheeks and a long beard. I think this style could really catch on, and I give it major points for creativity.
4. Sherlock Anson Bronson (1845–1850)
Sherlock A. Bronson was not only the first bearded Kenyon president, but has an awesome name and made a very bold choice with his facial hair Not only did he gone stache-less, but he also trimmed below his lower lip.
5. Charles Short (1863–1867)
Not much can be said for the 9th president of Kenyon. His name may be Short, but his sideburns were long, and I think, speak for themselves.
6. Thomas Mather Smith (1850–1854)
Smith was another connoisseur of sideburns, though his are on the wilder side of things. As I often say, nothing goes better with a popped collar than muttonchops.
7. James Kent Stone (1867–1868)
Stone rounds out my list, because of his conservative approach to the beard. His mustache/goatee combo is understated, and must have driven the ladies mad back in 1867.
Which Kenyon beard is your favorite?