Burr Walter Torreyson, better known as B. W. Torreyson, became UCA’s second president at an awkward time in the institution’s history. The School's first President John James Doyne's troubles were still on everyone's minds making replacing him difficult. Dr. J. R. Jewell had been elected president and had refused to serve allowing Mr. Torreyson to assume the position.
Torryeson was strongly supported by the board, but not by the governor. However, the governor refused to intervene on behalf of his favorite candidate, J. G. Cubage, an ASN professor. Torreyson was hired and became known as a strict disciplinarian with a good sense of humor. In September 1929, due to poor health, Torreyson requested that Heber L. McAlister be made acting president while he attempted to recuperate in Orlando, Florida. Torreyson submitted his resignation in May 1930, with an effective date of July 1, 1930.