His presidency was marked with a renewed focus on academic rigor with the expansion of professor salaries and exacting institutional standards for graduation.
Reynolds lead the college through the 1960s and 1970s with expansive integration of feminism, anti-war ideology, and the civil rights movement into the Bates community.
[3] During World War II, Reynolds served as a tank commander in Europe and received various decorations for his service.
Reynolds diversified the student body, eliminated standardized test scores, and constructed Ladd Library and the Olin Arts Center.
[3] He frequently joined in on student protests against the Vietnam War and in support for the civil rights movement.