The first bachelor of science degree was conferred in June 1872 upon Spurrier Howard-Smith. (Howard-Smith is listed in the catalog of 1873–74 as an instructor in drawing and is listed as having the AB degree, but the board minutes of June 18, 1872, are clear in awarding him a bachelor of science degree.) He taught at the university until he was dismissed as part of an institutional reorganization in 1877.