Blake R. Van Leer
Blake R. Van Leer | |
|---|---|
| President of the Georgia Institute of Technology | |
| In office 1944–1956 | |
| Preceded by | Marion L. Brittain |
| Succeeded by | Edwin D. Harrison |
| Dean of Engineering University of Florida | |
| In office 1932–1937 | |
| Dean of Engineering North Carolina State University | |
| In office 1937–1941 | |
| Berkeley City Council | |
| In office 1924–1932 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 16, 1893 Mangum, Oklahoma |
| Died | January 23, 1956 (aged 62) Atlanta, Georgia |
| Alma mater | Purdue University University of Caen Normandy Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich University of California, Berkeley |
| Occupation | University president |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1917–1953 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Corps of Engineers |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Croix de Guerre |
Blake Ragsdale Van Leer (August 16, 1893 – January 23, 1956) was an American academic administrator, engineer, and U.S. Army officer who served as the fifth president of the Georgia Institute of Technology from 1944 until his death in 1956. Orphaned at a young age, Van Leer overcame early adversity to become a transformative leader in higher education. During his tenure at Georgia Tech, he played a crucial role in modernizing the institution, expanding its national reputation, and steering it through a period of significant social and academic change. Under his leadership, women were admitted to Georgia Tech for the first time, and foundational steps were taken toward racial integration.