Dr. Stoddard served as the first principal of the Lancaster County Normal School for less than a year. Stoddard was the author of numerous textbooks, primarily in the field of mathematics and an educational entrepreneur, founding the Susquehanna Company Normal School and attempting to revive the University of Western Pennsylvania, and a principal of public schools in Pennsylvania, New York State and New York City.

Dr. Wickersham, a pioneer in teacher education, established the first state normal school in Pennsylvania and was responsible for the development of the curriculum which served as the model for other normal schools in the state. He was also the founder of the Pennsylvania State Teacher's Association. Wickersham left Millersville to become the state superintendent of schools and later served as President Arthur's Envoy to Denmark.

Dr. Brooks was one of the original faculty members when the normal school opened in 1855. He brought a national reputation to the school through his writings, lectures and activity in educational organizations.

Dr. Shaub was the first Millersville graduate to serve as principal. He was an honors graduate and former superintendent of Lancaster County common schools. His appointment as principal in 1883 was made after many objections by faculty and students. Shaub resigned from his position to become a partner in the Lancaster Carpet Company.

Dr. Lyte entered the normal school in 1866 after serving in the Civil War and teaching for two years. He became professor of rhetoric and bookkeeping in 1868 and later a professor of pedagogy and grammar before being named principal. He was associated with the school for 44 years before his resignation due to ill health. Credited for the first building boom at Millersville, he designed and directed the construction of the Science Building (since removed), the Library (currently Biemesderfer Executive Center) and the Gymnasium (now Dutcher Hall). He also oversaw the construction of the Model School, formerly Myers Hall and now Charles and Mary Hash Building. Lyte was also a prolific writer of music and is famous for his round, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."

Dr. Harbold graduated from Millersville and then became a professor of history for a short time. Heading the Model School in 1901, Harbold left to become superintendent of Lancaster County schools in 1911. Returning in 1912 as principal, he resigned several years later over a policy dispute with the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Gordinier came to Millersville in 1911 when he replaced A. R. Byerly as professor of classical languages. In 1918 he became the first president of Millersville and held the title when the normal school became a state teacher's college in 1927.

Dr. Tanger, an 1898 graduate of Millersville was appointed president of the state college in 1929. He presided over heroic attempts to save the University and other schools from being closed during the Great Depression and the early years of World War II. After retirement in 1943, Tanger continued to be an active member in the school community.

Dr. Biemesderfer, a 1917 graduate of Millersville State Normal School became university president in 1943. During his tenure, the college struggled through the student shortage of World War II, the student surplus of the post-war years and the declining enrollments and state appropriations in the 1950's. During his presidency, liberal arts and graduate studies were added to the curriculum.

Dr. Christie was an active individual in higher education and was appointed president of Millersville in 1965. Promoting liberal arts throughout his presidency, Christie oversaw the development of the east campus and other locations. He resigned under pressure from the Board of Trustees in 1968. In 1970, he and his family were killed in a plane crash off the coast of British Honduras in South America.

Dr. Duncan was associated with the college for 46 years. After receiving his degree at Millersville, he became a social studies teacher before holding administrative positions such as director of admissions, registrar, acting dean of instruction and dean of students prior to his appointment as president. He oversaw the continuing building boom of the 1960's and early 1970's, the decline of state appropriations in the 1970's, the change of emphasis from teacher training to liberal arts, and rapidly increasing enrollments.

Dr. Joseph A. Caputo became president of Millersville State College in 1981 before the transformation of the school into a university in 1983. During his years at Millersville, Caputo oversaw the school's enrollment increase by nearly 1,400 students, the expansion of academic programs including the creation of an Honor's College, master's degrees in business administration, nursing and others as well as minors in areas such as African-American studies and women's studies. He also established the Lancaster Partnership Program, the university's advancement office and improved university facilities including the science and technology building, McCollough Communications Complex and the Student Memorial Center.