James Burrill Angell (January 7, 1829 – April 1, 1916) was an American
educator,
academic administrator, and
diplomat. He is best known for being the
longest-serving president of the
University of Michigan (1871–1909). Under his leadership Michigan gained prominence as an elite public university. Today, he is often cited by Michigan administrators for providing the vision of Michigan as a university that should provide "an uncommon education for the common man."