Julian Ashby Burruss

Julian Ashby Burruss (August 16, 1876 – January 4, 1947[1]) was the first President of James Madison University, although at the time of his service the university was the State Normal and Industrial School for Women. His service began in 1908 and ended in 1919 when he left JMU to become the eighth President of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His tenure at Virginia Tech lasted from September 1, 1919 to July 1, 1945. Burruss was responsible for the full admittance of women as students.[2] He also fully implemented the neogothic style of architecture at Virginia Tech. Shortly before he assumed the presidency the Old McBryde Hall had been the first building on the Virginia Tech campus to be constructed in the neogothic style using locally quarried native limestone. It had originally been planned as a red brick building but native limestone was substituted when brick became unavailable due a shortage caused by military construction during World War I. Burruss adopted the Collegiate Gothic style using the native limestone now known as Hokie Stone for the many subsequent buildings constructed during his tenure giving the Virginia Tech campus the appearance seen today.

Julian Ashby Burruss
8th President of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
In office 1919–1945
Preceded by	Joseph Dupuy Eggleston
Succeeded by	John Redd Hutcheson
1st President of James Madison University
In office 1908–1919
Succeeded by	Samuel Page Duke
Personal details
Born	(1876-08-16)August 16, 1876 Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Died	January 4, 1947(1947-01-04) (aged 70) Staunton, Virginia, U.S.
Spouse(s)	Rachel Cleveland Ebbert
Children	2
Alma mater	Virginia Tech