Isaac S. Hopkins

Isaac S. Hopkins was born in 1841 and died in 1914. He graduated from Emory College (later renamed Emory University) in 1859 and the Medical College of Georgia in 1861.

 

Dr. Hopkins returned to Emory to teach natural sciences. Then, he went to Birmingham Southern College to teach physics. Dr. Hopkins returned to Emory and became its vice-president in 1882. In 1885, he became the ninth president of Emory College.

 

In 1888, Dr. Hopkins was chosen as Georgia Tech’s first President. This institution was referred to as the Georgia School of Technology at that time. In addition, he held the position as part-time pastor of the First United Methodist Church. In 1896, he resigned as president of Georgia Tech to become the full-time pastor of the First United Methodist Church.

 

One of the pillars at Emory University’s front door is named for Dr. Hopkins. On the door is the following quote: “A pioneer in technical education; he was one of the builders of the New South.”