Leigh Hall

Leigh Hall. University of Florida. , , Chemistry classes first met in Thomas Hall and then in Keene/Flint Hall (Science Hall). With growing enrollment, more classroom and laboratory space was needed. Construction began in 1925 for a new building for chemistry and pharmacy. It opened for classes the following fall. There were several additions to the building: an auditorium was added in 1938, a new wing in 1949, and the Chemistry Research unit in 1965-1968. , The building was named for Townes Randolph Leigh. He was born March 1880, in Panola County, Mississippi. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1915. During World War I he invented the Leigh Fog Screen which helped protect naval vessels from submarine attack. Dr. Leigh became chairman of chemistry at the University of Florida in 1920, and director of the newly established School of Pharmacy in 1923. When the School became a College Leigh was named its first dean. In 1933 he succeeded James Anderson as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The following year he was named acting vice president of the University. In 1946, he became vice president, a position he held for two years. Dr. Leigh died February 15, 1949. Leigh Hall was dedicated April 15, 1950.