Daniel B. Purinton was born in Preston County, Virginia (now West Virginia) in 1850. Purinton’s father, a Baptist minister, instilled a strong religious and community commitment in his son. Purinton attended West Virginia University (WVU) from 1869 until 1876, earning both bachelor and master of arts degrees. In addition to graduating from WVU, Purinton also married Florence A. Lyon in 1876. Purinton finished his education with a doctorate from the University of Nashville. He then returned to WVU to teach in the Preparatory Department. His courses included logic, mathematics, metaphysics, and vocal music. In 1881, Purinton was briefly acting president of the university and advocated for co-education. In 1889, Purinton made the first motion to admit women as degree candidates. His sister-in-law, Harriet Lyons, became the first woman to graduate from WVU.

Purinton left his posts at WVU to be president of Denison College in Granville, Ohio in 1890. He stayed in Ohio until 1901, when he returned to serve as WVU’s president once again. In addition, the academic was also appointed dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Purinton’s stint as president was primarily characterized by campus expansion. He was responsible for the construction the first on-campus home for WVU’s presidents, now known as the Purinton House. The home attracted a large amount of criticism from those who felt that Purinton’s use of public and private funds to construct a home for himself was irresponsible, or even corrupt. Despite the controversy, Purinton maintained his WVU positions until stepping down in 1911. In addition to his higher education administrative appointments, Purinton also served as president of the West Virginia Baptist Assembly. He died in Morgantown on November 27, 1933. 

Gooden, Randall. Purinton House, National Register of Historic Places. July 19th 1985. Accessed September 25th 2020. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/ddc0a43f-c56c-48b2-a064-d9dfd6610fc8.

November 27, 1933, West Virginia Public Broadcasting. November 27th 2019. Accessed September 25th 2020. https://www.wvpublic.org/radio/2019-11-27/november-27-1933-wvu-president-daniel-purinton-dies.