William Howard Taft was elected the 27th President of the United States in 1909, serving until 1913. He was known for his large stature and jovial personality, earning him the nickname "Big Bill." Taft's presidency was marked by his emphasis on trust-busting and the enforcement of antitrust laws, as well as his dedication to civil service reform.
After his presidency, Taft went on to become the tenth Chief Justice of the United States, a position he held from 1921 until his retirement in 1930. This made him the only person in history to have served as both President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
In 1921, President Warren Harding announced Taft's appointment as Chief Justice, praising his legal acumen and dedication to upholding the Constitution. Taft's tenure on the Supreme Court was marked by a commitment to judicial restraint and a belief in the importance of judicial independence.
A forum featuring descendants of former U.S. presidents highlighted Taft's unique place in American history. As the only individual to have served as both President and Chief Justice, Taft's legacy continues to be studied and celebrated by historians and legal scholars alike.
Taft's early life in Ohio and his education at Yale University set the stage for his future political and legal career. His family home in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he lived until he went away to college, remains a historic site that attracts visitors interested in learning more about his early years.
In addition to his political and legal accomplishments, Taft was also a skilled wrestler during his time at Yale. His athletic prowess and competitive spirit were traits that served him well throughout his career in public service.
Dr. Gerard “Jerry” J. Joyce, the 27th president of Mount St. Mary's, follows in Taft's footsteps as a leader in higher education. Like Taft, Joyce brings years of experience and a dedication to service to his new role, continuing the tradition of excellence set by those who came before him.
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents recently approved Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III as the 27th president of Texas A&M, highlighting the importance of strong leadership in institutions of higher learning. Welsh's appointment carries on the legacy of distinguished individuals who have served in leadership roles in academia and government.
