Frederick William Hamilton was an American academic administrator, businessman, and clergyman who served as the fourth president of Tufts University. Born in Portland, Maine, in 1860, Hamilton pursued his higher education at Tufts, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1880 and a Master of Arts in English literature and philosophy in 1886. His academic contributions and service were further recognized with an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Tufts in 1889 and an honorary Doctor of Laws from St. Lawrence University in 1906.
Hamilton assumed the presidency of Tufts University in 1905. His tenure was marked by a strong opposition to coeducation, which led him to establish Jackson College for Women as a separate institution with its own faculty and administration. However, his leadership style and policies eventually alienated the university community, leading to a loss of trust that prompted his resignation in 1912. Following his academic career, Hamilton transitioned into the business sector, working as the manager of a forestry company. He was also highly active in civic and fraternal organizations, serving as the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and maintaining membership in the Theta Delta Chi fraternity. He died in Boston in 1940.
