John Bunyan Shearer, 1832-1919, was the eighth president of Davidson College. Educated at Hampden-Sidney College, the University of Virginia and Union Theological Seminary, Shearer brought to Davidson experience in teaching and pastoral work. He was elected president of Davidson in 1888 and served until 1901. While following the practice of teaching classes, he was particularly active in public relations and fund raising work for the College. Shearer instituted required Bible classes and in 1901 helped refurbish the old Chapel. The remodeled chapel was named Shearer Hall for his wife and remained on campus until 1957.