President Hovde

In January 1946, began his tenure as President of Purdue University, a position which he held until his retirement in 1971. During the time of Hovde's presidency, over 80,000 men and women graduated from the university.

Enrollment at Purdue more than quadrupled from 5,628 to 25,582 students. Its annual budget increased from $12.7 million to $136 million. It was also during this time that Purdue established the schools of industrial engineering, materials engineering, technology, and veterinary medicine

While at Purdue, he served on numerous government boards on scientific research, including military research. He also served as a member of the Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy, Board of Visitors to the Air University, Air Training Command Advisory Board, Board of Consultants to the National War College, and Board of Visitors to the United States Air Force Academy. In 1961, he served as chairman of the President-Elect’s Task Force Committee on Education. From 1970 to 1973, he served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Hovde served as President of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (1953-1954), as vice chairman of the American Council on Education (1955-1956), and a member of the President’s Committee on Education Beyond High School (1956-1957).

Hovde Hall is named after President Frederick Hovde.