Photo of John M. Bloss in the college greenhouse. John McKnight Bloss was the third president of Oregon Agricultural College from 1892-1896. Bloss was also the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station and Professor of Mental and Moral Science. During his years of presidency, the school colors were changed from navy blue to orange and black and intercollegiate athletics were formed. Bloss was also the first president to encourage women to study agriculture. The first school annual, The Hayseed, was created.
Senior Professor John Davidson Letcher was chosen as acting president unanimously by the Board of Regents after Benjamin Arnold's sudden death in January 1892. According to their report, he was "better acquainted with the duties of the president and the working of the college than any other man living." Letcher held the position, in addition to his teaching duties, for four months until the arrival of John M. Bloss in early June.
Thomas Milton Gatch was appointed as the fifth president of Oregon Agricultural College because of his vast experience in higher education, previously presiding over Willamette University (1860-1865 and 1870-1880) and the University of Washington (1887-1895).
A successful Oregon businessman and politician, Henry B. Miller served as the fourth president of Oregon Agricultural College for only eleven months. The Board of Regents chose Miller, a member of the board since 1895, to succeed John M. Bloss.