Lewis Henry Jones (July 3, 1844 - August 11, 1917) served as EMU's President from 1902 to 1912. Born in Indiana, he was schooled at Spiceland Academy and Oswego Normal School, and taught for some years before holding a series of higher posts, including Superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools and of Cleveland Public Schools. His work impressed the Michigan Board of Education enough that they wooed him to Eastern to head EMU, then the Michigan Normal College.

After his death, the Daily Ypsilanti Press noted his contributions to town and gown:

"In the 10 years during which he headed the Ypsilanti institution, he endeared himself to the heart of the rapidly growing student body as few have done, and at the same time took an active interest in Ypsilanti's welfare, an interest that was unabated at the time of his death," noted The Daily Ypsilanti Press of Aug. 13, 1917. "Under his leadership the Normal (College) saw an unprecedented growth in size and prestige, and his resignation in 1912 was a source of universal regret."

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