The University of Tennessee's Department of Chemistry dates back to at least 1825 when President David Sherman bought $500 worth of chemical equipment for East Tennessee College. The Department's first Professor, Reverend Lucius F. Clark, was appointed in 1838. Students were taught by lecture and demonstration until student laboratory work was introduced in the mid-19th century. When East Tennessee University became the University of Tennessee in 1879, the chemistry curriculum was altered considerably and a full major was created. Charles Dabney further improved the program, increasing the number of staff, constructing a new science building, developing an extensive research program, and creating a BS program. The department began granting PhD degrees in 1947, and today offers respected graduate and undergraduate programs.