Cyrus Nutt was born in Southington Township, Trumbull County, Ohio on September 4, 1814.
Cyrus was the second son, with one brother and two sisters who all lived in a log cabin on a piece of land next to a large farm belonging James father-in-law.
During his presidency, the University attempted to create an agricultural and mechanical school under the terms of the Morrill Act, though by 1869 Purdue was established as the land grant college of Indiana.
In 1867, the board of trustees voted to admit women to classes, and around the same time the university experienced the beginning of organized athletics with students embracing the game of baseball.
In June 1875, Nutt retired from his position at the university and died on August 24, 1875, from remittent fever.