The Origins of American Research Universities: Michael T. Benson on Daniel Coit Gilman’s Legacy

Discover the pivotal role of Daniel Coit Gilman, the first president of Johns Hopkins University, in shaping the modern American research university. In this exclusive podcast episode, LFPL and the Filson Historical Society welcome Dr. Michael T. Benson, president of Coastal Carolina University and former president of EKU, for an insightful discussion on his book Daniel Coit Gilman and the Birth of the American Research University. Recorded live at the Main Library, this conversation explores Gilman’s groundbreaking innovations—from graduate fellowships to research funding and scholarly journals—that transformed U.S. higher education. Learn how his legacy influenced key educational figures like Louisville’s Abraham Flexner and Dr. Hugh Toland, founder of the UC San Francisco medical school. Whether you're interested in higher education, university history, or educational reform, this episode offers rich historical insights still relevant today. Listen now to explore how Daniel Coit Gilman’s vision revolutionized universities. Recorded August 27, 2027