The newly endowed Barbara Townsend Cromwell ’55 Chair in History was announced at the 2024 George Washington Birthday Convocation and made possible thanks to Cromwell’s $2 million gift. Cromwell and her late husband, George Cromwell ’53, have been devoted supporters of their alma mater. As well as countless hours of service to the College, their philanthropic generosity includes the building of Cromwell Hall, which opened in the fall of 2016 and houses the departments of anthropology and environmental science and studies. It’s also home to the Barbara and George Cromwell Center for Teaching and Learning, which supports faculty innovations through talks, workshops, and grants.

Associate Professor of History Clayton Black, who has been with Washington College for over 27 years, is the first endowed chair holder. “I am humbled and grateful to have my name associated with this endowed chair,” Black said. “Given its own storied past, Washington College is almost unimaginable without a strong history program. Barbara’s generosity helps to ensure that the College will stay true to the liberal arts mission that has sustained it for over 240 years.”