Born in Meaford, Ontario, Claude Bissell was educated at the University of Toronto and Cornell University where he received his Ph.D. in 1940. A professor of English, Bissell was president of Carleton U. from 1956-58 and then president of U. of T. from 1958-1971. Bissell was a personal friend and supporter of  Marshall McLuhan and worked to provide McLuhan with his Centre in 1963. Bissell is the author of many books including The Strength of the University  (1968), Halfway  Up Parnassus  (1974).