Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Finley, John Huston

FINLEY, JOHN HUSTON, an American educator; born in 1863 at Grand Ridge, Ill. He was educated at Knox College and at Johns Hopkins University. From 1892 to 1899 he served as president of Knox College, and after that as editor of “Harper's Weekly,” and later of “McClure's Magazine.” Princeton University appointed him in 1900 professor of politics, and three years later he was elected president of the College of the City of New York. In 1913 he became Commissioner of Education for the State of New York, a position he still holds. In 1917 he went to France as special commissioner representing the State of New York in matters pertaining to education. He is the author of many periodical articles and reviews, and his recent books are: “The French in the Heart of America” (1914); “French Schools in War Time” (1917); “A Pilgrim in Palestine” (1918).