Theophilus Capen Abbot (April 29, 1826 – November 7, 1892) was an American educator and the third President of the State Agricultural College (now Michigan State University), serving from 1863 until 1885.

[1][2] After receiving his master's degree, Abbot taught in Vermont, at Bangor Theological Seminary and Colby University in Maine, and in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

He also served as the treasurer of the college in 1860, and as secretary pro tempore of the State Board of Agriculture in 1861 and 1862.

In December 1862, he was unanimously selected as the third president of the college, a position he held for 22 years (1862-1885) while still continuing to teach.

[1][3][2] On July 5, 1860, Abbot married Sarah Merrylees, a teacher at the Union School in Ann Arbor, and they had two children: Mary Mouat (b. January 10, 1863; d. March 20, 1903) and Joseph Rodney (b.