 On April 29, 1802, Jefferson College was organized by the newly chartered Board of Trustees.It was named after Thomas Jefferson, who sent a letter of thanks to the college and a portrait of himself as a gift.John McMillan served as first President of the Board of Trustees; during the first 25 years of Jefferson College's existence, McMillan served in almost every possible role, including acting Principal and Vice-Principal of the college, professor, college pastor, and treasurer.