Dr. Philip G. Hubbard
BS 1946 in Electrical Engineering, MS 1949, PhD 1954 in Mechanics and Hydraulics
Prior to his death in January 2002, Dr.
Philip G. Hubbard was one of the most distinguished and admired
administrators in the history of the University of Iowa. Having been a part of the
university for 55 years, he witnessed nearly one third of the
UI's life. He came to the UI in 1940, earning a Bachelor's of
Science degree, his Master's, and doctorate degrees. His entire
career was spent on the Iowa campus, serving as a Professor, Dean of Academic Affairs, and
Vice President for Student Services. For students, he was an advisor,
advocate, and father figure. For faculty and staff, he was a champion
of human rights. For administrators, he was an exemplar of humane
and resourceful leadership. In 1971, Dr. Hubbard was named Vice
President for Student Services, becoming the first African-American
Vice President at a Big Ten university. He worked to open housing,
jobs, and educational opportunities to minorities through the
development of the Opportunity at Iowa program, the University's
initiative to recruit and retain minority students and faculty.
As professor emeritus of mechanical engineering,
he remained involved in the College of Engineering and Opportunity
at Iowa. In 1996, he wrote a book, titled New Dawn: A 150-year
look at Human rights at The University of Iowa.
Dr. Hubbard earned distinction for his accomplishments as a research engineer and professor of engineering, technological innovator, university administrator, and defender of student interests. The dedication of Hubbard Park, located just south of the Iowa Memorial Union, honored his over 50 years of study, teaching, research, and administration at the UI with the limestone sign bearing the name of the park being one of the 1876 original slabs removed from around the Old Capitol in 1973.
Dr. Hubbard was a long-time member of the President's Club and a very generous contributor to a wide range of programs and projects. He was an advisor to six UI presidents and served on and chaired countless campus committees, university task forces, and state and national advisory groups. In addition, he served on many campaign committees for the UI Foundation and was director for the Institute for Learning and Development, which is a nonprofit organization that helps cities establish education, health, and job training programs. Dr. Hubbard was a member of the College of Engineering Development Council and served on the College's Engineering Building Campaign Steering Committee.