Peyton Nalle Rhodes, A. M., Ph. D.
1949-1965
Dr. Rhodes was born in Crozet, Virginia and attended the University of Virginia, earning a B. A. in chemistry in 1920, an M.A. in 1921, and a Ph. D. in physics in 1926. His first teaching position was at the college as Associate Professor of Physics in 1926 and he was soon promoted to full professor. In 1944, he was named Vice-president and, in 1949, became College President. During World War II, Dr. Rhodes served as the coordinator of the Thirteenth College Training Detachment (Aircrew) which was stationed at the College.
Dr. Rhodes became President of Southwestern At Memphis in 1949. In his 16 years as president, Phi Beta Kappa founded a college chapter, 10 major buildings were constructed, and financial assets grew from $5 million to $9 million. In 1981, the college named the physics building the Peyton Nalle Rhodes Tower. On July 1, 1984, the college was renamed Rhodes College to honor the man who had devoted himself to the college for 50 years.