Discharged with the rank of private first class, Torrey returned to Connecticut Agricultural College, where he received tenure in 1928 and was appointed chair of the botany department a year later.

[5] Torrey built the college herbarium, acquiring tens of thousands of plants through donation and purchase.

During his tenure at UConn, he served more than a decade on the Scholastic Standing Committee, a three-year term on the national council of the American Association of University Professors, and as marshal at graduation ceremonies.

[5] He also spearheaded a successful campaign to form a UConn chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in 1953 and served as its first president.

[6] Torrey was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma XI, and the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences.