Paul Ansel Chadbourne (October 21, 1823 – February 23, 1883) was an American educator and naturalist who served as President of University of Wisconsin from 1867 to 1870, and President of Williams College from 1872 until his resignation in 1881.

Chadbourne was born in North Berwick, Maine, and attended school at Phillips Exeter Academy.

At Williams College he was the Professor of Chemistry, Botany, and Natural History.

[2] Chadbourne served as a member of the Republican party in the Massachusetts Senate from 1865 to 1866.

[3] Following years of pulmonary problems, Chadbourne died on February 23, 1883, while serving as President of the Massachusetts Agricultural College.