Ward Darley became the seventh president of CU when he was promoted from vice president and director of the University Medical Center. Although he only served three years before returning to medicine, Darley played an important role in improving the university’s image in the state and with the Legislature.

With the national birthrate increasing 54% from 1932 to 1951, Darley made certain the university was ready for what he called “the rising tide.” Enrollment went up one thousand students in 1955 alone.

The University Memorial Center, four new dormitories, and the College of Music building were all completed by 1956. Construction and the expansion of the faculty created a financial strain on CU.