Bronwell was selected as the ninth president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute in fall 1954 and took office in February 1955. During his presidency, the number of faculty nearly doubled and enrollment grew from 800 to 1,200 students. The Alumni Gymnasium and the Morgan, Kaven, and Olin Halls were constructed and scientific laboratories renovated under his leadership. In addition, Bronwell diversified WPI's curriculum, adding more humanities and social sciences courses to round out the scientific curriculum. His capital campaign raised $5 million from donors in five years. He served on the National Science Foundation's advisory committee. His presidency marked the beginning of a transition for WPI from a provincial to a national university.
