after the war, he accepted a position to teach at the re-opened cumberland university. near the end of 1866, he was named the third president of the university, taking over for recently named president anderson, who resigned due to poor health. this was a very difficult time for the school, which had virtually no money, buildings or students remaining after the war. his hard work alongside the trustees helped the school to re-establish itself, and by 1870-71, 335 students were attending the university.