A. LeRoy Greason

Greason received honorary degrees from his alma mater, Wesleyan University, and from Bates College, Colby College, the University of New England, and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. After retiring from Bowdoin's presidency in 1990, the college "awarded him a Doctor of Humane Letters."

Greason's curricular achievements included reinstating the course distribution requirements Bowdoin had abolished in 1970, establishing its Department of Computer Science, and instituting its Arctic Studies, Asian Studies and Women's Studies programs. In 1987, Greason asked a special panel to decide whether fraternities should be abolished at Bowdoin. His successor, Robert Hazard Edwards, ultimately effected that change.

Greason began his Bowdoin career in 1952 as an instructor in English, becoming a full professor in 1966 with a specialty in 18th-century English literature. Greason served as both dean of students and dean of the college before stepping down in 1975 to return to full-time teaching. Nevertheless, five years later, following the departure of President Willard F. Enteman, Greason was asked to serve as acting president. In the fall of 1981, he became the third faculty member at Bowdoin to become President of the College.

A native of Newport, Rhode Island, Greason graduated from Wesleyan University in 1944 as both a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the president of Wesleyan's student government. He subsequently attended Harvard University to earn his master's and doctorate degrees, and taught at both Wesleyan and Harvard.

Arthur LeRoy Greason, Jr. (born September 13, 1922 - August 28, 2011) was the twelfth president of Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, serving from 1981 to 1990.