George Phillip Tuttle (1923-1924)

George Phillip Tuttle earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont in 1911. In August of the same year, he began his path toward the position of Registrar when he accepted a position in the registration office at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the very office where Mr. Tuttle would spend the bulk of his career.

Outside of the office, he was extremely involved in both campus and community organizations such as the Kiwanis Club, the University YMCA and the University Club Urbana. However, not all of his affiliations were philanthropic in nature. Mr. Tuttle was quite partial to the the theatre and participated in the Illini Theatre Guild, the University Concert and Entertainment Board, and was a member in the Faculty Players Club.

Despite his many activities, he never lost sight of his purpose as Registrar. He once stated that it was his undertaking to "make the registrar's office a service organization useful to students and faculty and respected by them." Mr. Tuttle once stated that even though he thoroughly enjoyed the relationships he formed with the faculty, it was in helping the students that he found his greatest fulfillment. Whenever he made a ruling Mr. Tuttle always kept in mind its impact upon university guidelines, and in some instances this even led the University to implement new policy. His profound effect upon the University and his numerous published articles illustrate how highly his advice was regarded.

Mr. Tuttle shared his tenets of the position of Registrar:

  1. "Don't take your job as being merely what your predecessor made it, but be continually alert to discover new ways and means for increasing its value to your institution."
  2. "Don't take yourself too seriously, but think of your job always as one of real significance and make it such."
  3. "Never lose your temper, but be firm where that is necessary. "
  4. "Don't pass the buck to others, but expect others to pass it to you and when they do settle the question at issue."
  5. "Keep your sense of humor."
  6. "Be helpful always, but don't just be a dumping ground for jobs that belong elsewhere."
  7. "Study people, no two are entirely alike."
  8. "Remember that common sense has solved more problems than any other expedient."