As twelfth president of Michigan State University, John Alfred Hannah served from July 1, 1941 to April 1, 1969. His tenure was characterized by extensive growth of the University, in both size and enrollments. President Hannah&#39;s activities were not limited to the University, however, as he filled a variety of positions in both the federal government and private industry.<br /> <br /> During President Hannah&#39;s tenure the University grew from an enrollment of just over 6,000 to just under 40,000. This dramatic increase necessitated an extensive building program. Likewise the curriculum was upgraded and modified. In 1944 the Basic College, a prototype in the nation, was established to provide instruction to incoming students. Other improvements included Adult Education (1951), International Program (1950s), MSU-Oakland (1959), and the creation of a medical program (1960s).<br /> <p> Hannah was very concerned with both the faculty and the students at the University. In the late 1940s he began the Spartan Roundtable which provided students a forum in which to present their concerns directly to the president. He oversaw the reorganization of the faculty governance structure, as well as the creation of the &quot;Rights and Freedoms of Students.&quot;</p> <p> Hannah&#39;s government service included: International Development Advisory Board; Assistant Secretary of Defense, 1953-1954; Chairman of the Commission on Civil Rights, 1957-1964; and, Chairman of the United States Section of the Permanent Joint Board on Defense. In 1969, upon retiring from the University, he accepted a position as administrator of the Agency for International Development. Overall he served in the administrations of Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan.</p>